The Twin Cities law enforcement community is rallying around a St. Paul police officer after his wife, an officer from Stillwater, died from complications of childbirth.

Officer Brienne Heroux, 30, gave birth to her son, Leland, on Aug. 30.

She was diagnosed with a rare illness called Hellp Syndrome that can lead to bleeding and liver and blood pressure problems. She had a liver transplant, but died Sunday at the Mayo Clinic.

Leland was born with part of his bladder outside his body. He has recovered.

The lights on Heroux's squad are draped in black outside the Stillwater Police Department.

"It's pretty hard for a lot of people to cope with the fact, we lost a great person through childbirth and that just doesn't happen anymore," said Stillwater Police Sgt. Jeff Stender.

Stender said he is in awe of Andy Heroux's strength. After his wife died he went to Children's Hospital to be with his son.

Stender said the law enforcement community will do what they can to make sure Andy and Leland never feel alone.

"The outpouring from the St. Paul Police Department has just been tremendous. and I know Andy appreciates that, I'm sure and so do we here at the Stillwater Police Department," said Stender.

Heroux's family told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they hope her death will create more awareness of Hellp Syndrome for both pregnant women and doctors.

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