ALBANY, N.Y. -- One month ago, a lawsuit was filed against the City of Albany by a widow of a late Albany Police officer. Douglas Mayville died four years ago from a disease contracted from work he did on the force.

His wife says she’s not getting the benefits she’s entitled to. On Tuesday, a private conference was held for the case, and APD officers showed their support.

“To see these cops -- who some of them probably never knew Doug -- come, it’s amazing,” Mayville said

“Service, integrity, respect: Detective Mayville lived that motto for 26 years as a detective here,” said Gregory McGee, the vice president of the Albany Police Officers Union.

In 2008, Mayville was diagnosed with Wegener’s disease following exposure to toxic chemicals during his time as a crime scene investigator. Since then, he has been honored for his line-of-duty death. But Linda Mayville says she’s being denied the benefits entitled to her, like health insurance. She also says the widow of her husband’s partner is in the same situation.

“The city is not giving Mrs. Mayville the same service, integrity and respect that she rightfully deserves,” said McGee.

The City of Albany claims it’s the union’s responsibility. But Mayville’s supporters disagree.

“It’s a moral issue. Just do the right thing,” said Jim Lyman, the president of Council 82 Retirees Chapter. "You have two widows who are entitled to health care and you’re not giving it to them."

“The city and its leadership needs to step up and stop making Mrs. Mayville live through the torture and anguish of having to go through all these hearings and this process,” said McGee.

Though the battle isn’t over, support for Linda can be seen throughout the city her husband served.

“From this point forward, any time that Mrs. Mayville has a hearing or a court appearance, we are going to be here by her side. We’re not going to let her go through this fight alone,” McGee said.

The city's Chief of Staff says this is a union issue and is not issuing further comment. McGee says the judge is giving the city until June to present its case as to why Mayville’s death is not considered line of duty.