No, it wasn't evidence from a major crime scene. It was Officer Hector Melecio, who has bravely endured a brain tumor over the last few years, and might be down to his last, best hope.

That hope will come in the form of an experimental chemotherapy drug that his health insurance won't cover. To pay for the treatment, Melecio's fellow officers — just about everyone on the 400-member force — chipped in a day's wage to raise $67,000, a little more than the minimum he needs.

On an unusually warm October day filled with more tears than smiles, Melecio told the 100 officers and friends gathered in front of the Police Department headquarters on Congress Street that his goal in life now is to return as a member of the department — at least in some capacity.

"What I want the most is to be able to help out the wonderful people of Bridgeport again," he said from his wheelchair. "Somehow — maybe not on the street, but somehow." He had nothing but thanks for Police Chief Bryan Norwood and Mayor John M. Fabrizi, who together worked with the city's personnel department to make it possible for officers to each donate a day's pay.

There will be more expenses that Melecio will face. To this end, supporters have organized a basketball game in which Bridgeport cops will go up against the Hartford Police Department. It will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Cardinal Shehan Center, 1494 Main St. Admission is $10, and T-shirts will be sold at the game, also for $10.

Melecio's family was there, too. "For a long time, I thought I had only one brother," said Melecio's kid brother, Jose Mendez. "Now I know that I have many brothers and sisters."

Melecio will receive the experimental treatment at Yale-New Haven Hospital, his family said. He has already endured a pair of brain surgeries and traditional chemotherapy. "He is surrounded by such good people," said Officer Melody Pribish, who was his partner in Police Academy, and was there for him today when he needed a hand getting into his wheelchair. "What Hector wants the most is to return to the Police Department."

"He returned to the force after his surgeries, but, unfortunately, it came back," said his sister, Brenda Mendez. "The drug he needs is experimental, and that's why it wasn't covered." Donations to help pay for Melecio's treatment can be made by sending a check, payable to the Bridgeport Police Credit Union, c/o Hector Melecio Fund, 3590 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606.