CANFIELD, Ohio - Back in March, Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher with the Canfield post, T.J. D'Apolito, died from an apparent heart attack while at work.

On Wednesday, his family, who resides in Canfield, was given a hand-drawn portrait of D'Apolito by well-known Valley artist, Ron Moore.

"This is my way of saying we're sorry for your loss," Ron Moore said. "Anybody in uniform that works for the police department is a hero."

Back The Blue Ohio also presented the family with a check during their time of mourning.

Back The Blue Ohio, which financially assists families of fallen law enforcement, says this instance is special to them because they personally know the family.

"T.J. was a personal friend of ours," said Christine Oliver, President and Co-Founder of Back The Blue Ohio. "Their family has been to our home for various family events. I never thought doing something so good could be so painful at the same time."

D'Apolito was with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for the past 13 years. The graduate of South Range High School leaves behind his wife Holly and his children, Karley and Joey.