For the past 19 years, Wayne Galutz has been serving Cicero as a police officer. Now he's been diagnosed with cancer, and the community is stepping up to lend him their support. YNN's Candace Hopkins has details on Officer Galutz's battle.

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CICERO, N.Y. -- Officer Wayne Galutz has always been there for the residents of Cicero. Now it's their turn to be there for him.

"If you need something, he would help you, absolutely. He's just an all-around great guy, absolutely," said Cicero Police Union President Michael Aregano.

Back in January, Officer Galutz was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. Since then, his expenses from treatment and traveling have been piling up. But friends, family, and the community he so proudly serves, are ready to help. They sprang into action, and Sunday afternoon a benefit was held in his honor.

"It was an astronomical undertaking, actually beyond what I thought I'd be getting into in the beginning, because it grew so big so fast," said Benefit Organizer Renee Epps.

The donations started pouring in, from those who know Wayne, and even some strangers.

"I had a woman who dropped off donations yesterday at my house who lost a husband to cancer, so people that are just reaching out to Wayne because they've been there, and they know what Wayne is going through," said Epps.

In his free time Wayne volunteers with Meals on Wheels and the VA Hospital in Syracuse. But despite all his contributions, Epps says he would be surprised to see so many people supporting him.

"He's very quiet, very humble, and I don't think that he recognizes the impact that he has on our community," said Epps.

A community vowing to be there, no matter how tough the road ahead gets.

If you missed the benefit but would like to donate, you can send a check to:

Wayne Galutz
P.O. Box 1066
Cicero, NY 13039

Or you can donate on Facebook. Search for the "Support Officer Wayne Galutz" page.