The tension between Albany's police union, the mayor and acting police chief is growing.

The union is backing an officer over his concerns about the recent increase in violence.

Union president David Verrelli contends they broke the law.

In a letter, addressed to the citizens of Albany -- Verrelli says that the members of the union fully support Officer Greg McGee who came under fire earlier this week from Acting Police Chief Robert Sears.

In a post on the Union's Facebook page, McGee, the union's vice president, blamed Mayor Kathy Sheehan and city officials for low morale issues as the city deals with more than 10 people shot in the last week -- and 2 homicides.

The post also claimed the mayor and anti-violence groups in the community were not doing enough to actually help combat the violence.

Sears criticized McGee earlier this week for being the one lowering morale and called for an apology.

The post was later deleted.

In Thursday’s letter, Verrelli supports McGee's statements and says there will be no apology for what was posted. Adding in part:

"The attempt to silence a union voice by the mayor and police chief is an appalling attempt to shift and deflect responsibility. It violates the Taylor Law and divides us. It will not be condoned."

Verrelli added that Albany police officers will continue to work with everyone to end the violence in Albany.

The Taylor Law allows public employees to unionize and air grievances on behalf of members.

Acting Chief Sears declined to comment on the statement from the union. We've reached out to Mayor Kathy Sheehan's office for comment but have yet to hear back.