Boardman, OH – Boardman Police Department Officer Heather Dobbins died from a recently diagnosed brain tumor on Jan. 11.

Doctors discovered the tumor after the 40-year-old officer started to feel sick, and it progressed quickly, WKBN reported.

Officer Dobbins passed away at the Cleveland Clinic at 6:45 a.m., according to her obituary.

Prior to her career in law enforcement, Officer Dobbins earned a Criminal Justice degree from Youngstown State University.

She later enrolled in the Youngstown Police Academy, and then obtained another degree in Education.

“Heather joined the Boardman Police Department in January, 2003 and served with distinction for sixteen years,” the Boardman Police Department said in a Facebook post.

“Heather will be remembered for her dedication to the community, professionalism, and above all her kindness that she displayed on a daily basis,” the post read. “Please keep Heather and her family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Officer Dobbins leaves behind her young daughter, Olivia, who “was her life, her mini me, and [her] BFF,” according to her obituary.

She is also survived by her parents, brother, and many friends and extended family members.

Over a thousand people offered their condolences on the Boardman Police Department’s Facebook page, and some took a moment to tell the agency about the impact Officer Dobbins had on their lives.

“She arrested my abusive ex when I was terrified to press charges,” Tanya Beth wrote. “I am so deeply sorry for all who loved her. I owe this woman my life.”

She always took the time to wave and say hello to the children at Crawling to Destiny Preschool, Paula Giddens wrote.

“She served well,” Giddens added. “May God watch over her family and thank you so much for serving our community.”

“It’s no surprise the number of positive stories we are hearing from people around the community who interacted with Heather over the years,” Boardman Police Chief Todd Werth told The Vindicator. “She was a dedicated officer who had a positive impact on peoples’ lives.”

During a Boardman Township meeting on Monday, trustees retired Officer Dobbins’ badge number “in memory of her friendship, selflessness, and kindness,” The Vindicator reported.

Officer Dobbins was laid to rest on Wednesday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Boardman Police Department Officer Heather Dobbins, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.