‘Pass The Helmet’ project honors Plymouth firefighter forced to retire due to ALS

PLYMOUTH, Mass — A local firefighter, forced to retire due to his battle with ALS, was honored by his department and dozens of others Friday.

The Plymouth Fire Department initiated the “Pass The Helmet” Project, culminating with a ceremony for firefighter Dale Melanson.

Melanson was a firefighter in Plymouth for just under 20 years before ALS started to take its toll, cutting his career short.

The helmets at the Plymouth firehouse traveled to 75 different cities, towns and firehouses.

“When you get issued your helmet, it’s kind of a badge of honor because you take it into every fight that you go to. It represents the scars. It represents the good times, the bad times,” said Plymouth Fire Chief Neil Foley.

“The Fight for Dale helmet helped raise awareness for ALS. It displayed what the fire service is all about by helping out one of our own,” said Foley during the ceremony.

Dale and his wife Colleen were gifted a helmet signed by every member of the Plymouth Fire Department.

“We’re extremely grateful and blessed. It’s not just today but each and every day,” said Colleen. “Every single day somebody reaches out and touches our lives. It’s only because it’s the kind of person my husband is. Amazing, incredibly strong, compassionate, kind. ”

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