FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The organization "Life After The Badge" set up a fundraiser in October to help bring some relief to a retired Austin Herion, a Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy struggling to pay his medical bills.   That fundraiser far exceeded expectations. Former Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy George Ozburn is the founder of Life After The Badge. He said his relationship with Herion continued long after he retired from the sheriff's office. ‘Fight the fight’: Retired Fresno County Deputy battling brain cancer "We had dinner, [and] we also had this small group thing together was like a traveling group," Ozburn said. "The dude was a phenomenal deputy. He's a great man, wonderful father, husband. I love the guy to death." Ozburn knew he wanted to help when he first found out Herion was diagnosed. “He might not have three months. He needs the money now so he can start those treatments, and he needs to get in there today," he said. Herion is battling a type of brain cancer called Glioblastoma. A disease that has already affected his family. "Unfortunately, my father-in-law ended up passing away of glioblastoma," Herion explained. "So, it kind of hit home for my wife when they came in and was my diagnosis. And I told her I was like, ‘You've lost your father to this. You’re not going to lose your husband to this.'" Because he chose an alternative cancer treatment plan, Herion’s insurance only paid for a fraction of the cost.  "Wife talked to me like, what are we going to do," he explained. "We had three kids, three teenagers right now. And it's like I had to stick around and raise them. So, you know, losing is not an option." In response, Ozburn used resources within his organization Life After The Badge to help. The group offers support to first responders.  "The really important thing is to realize that this is not a sheriff's department thing. It's not even a cop thing. Our logo says it all. It has family in the middle so that our significant others can find help when they need it," he said. Ozburn set up a fundraiser in Fresno to help raise $15,000 for Herion, but the response from community members was more than he could have imagined. In one night, more than 200 people showed up and raised $42,000. “It was huge to see the turnout the way it was. And how many people just came out and supported," said Herion. In addition, Herion’s journey with Life After the Badge isn’t over.   Ozburn said, “Austin is now coming on board with being a board member for Life After the Badge. Again, that selfless servant leadership that him and I both possess, we want to give back to the community.”  Herion wants his story to send a message. "Hopefully it helps George to help others," he said. "It is overwhelming and you're going to need an army to get through this. You can't do it by yourself." Ozburn said Life After the Badge is now in the process of setting up another fundraiser for the Herion family.