DeLand PD Officer Undergoes Double Lung Transplant; Fundraiser Planned

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DeLand, FL - DeLand Police Officer Constantine “Dino” Procos underwent a successful double lung transplant this week.

Procos, a 6-year-veteran of the force, native of South Africa and former skydiving instructor, was diagnosed in March with an incurable lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a condition that causes the lungs to solidify. Doctors had given him a prognosis of 6 to 12 months to live if he did not receive a double lung transplant.

Procos’ girlfriend Jennifer Bishop said Procos went into surgery earlier this week after a donor match was found.

“There aren’t words to express how grateful we are to the donor,” she said. “We’d also like to thank the community for their love and support. It has truly been amazing.”

But Officer Procos still has a long way to being fully recovered. He has relocated to Jacksonville and will remain there for at least 3 months as he continues to recover and continue receiving around-the-clock medical care.

To help with Procos’ medical bills and living expenses, the DeLand Police Department is organizing several fundraisers including one Thursday night at Sonny’s BBQ, 1500 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand. From 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, 20% of the profits made during this time will be donated to Officer Procos.

“We’re very grateful for the fact that Dino received his lungs, but we know he has a long road of ahead of him,” said Police Chief Bill Ridgway. “We’d like to encourage the community to come out and support Dino and his family.”

For those who are unable to attend Thursday but would still like to give a donation, a GoFundMe page has been setup in Procos’ name to cover medical expenses.

Find earlier reporting here.

Photos courtesy of Chris Graham and the City of DeLand and Gustavo Frazao & Shutterstock.com.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.