Officer Colin may have been young, but he was the heart and soul of the Ithaca Police Department.

"Just about a year and a half ago, Officer Colin attended our summer BBQ and he befriended Chief Barber at that BBQ,” said Ithaca Police Officer Jamie Williamson. “He expressed to Chief Barber that he wanted to be an officer but didn't think he could because of his illness. At that BBQ Chief Barber got to know him, how amazing he was and at that BBQ Chief Barber knew he was a very special young man."

Colin Hayward Toland had been battling a brain tumor since he was two. In 2016, Toland was sworn-in to the department.

"Not a lot of department's do this type of thing for a child and I think that's because not a lot of children are like Colin,” said Williamson. “Kids are great but Officer Colin is unique by all means."

Officer Colin was receiving treatment in Memphis, Tennessee. His department colleagues visited him just last week.

"We wanted to go honor a legend and spend some time with him. He was having a difficult time in the hospital. We went down there to raise his spirits but I think more than anything he rose our spirits."

Officer Colin was still in Memphis when he died Saturday. On Tuesday his fellow brothers in blue made sure everyone knew just how wonderful Colin was.

"Today we're bringing home a legend,” said Williamson. “We're going to make sure that his family and the Ithaca community and the Law Enforcement community see that we love Colin."