Retired Plymouth firefighter, ‘Pass the Helmet’ recipient, passes away after ALS battle

PLYMOUTH, Mass — Retired Plymouth firefighter Dale Melanson died peacefully with family members after an extended battle with ALS, fire officials said Saturday.

He served the Plymouth Fire Department from 2006 until his ALS diagnosis forced his early retirement in 2022, according to the Plymouth fire union.

“Dale could be counted on to be the first to show up and the last to leave whenever there was a crisis or a celebration,” his obituary notes. “Dale was a mountain of a man that worked hard, loved hard, played hard and served his community, friends and family with kindness and humility from beginning to end.”

“Dale’s absence will leave a tremendous void with Plymouth Firefighters. Our thoughts are with his wife, Colleen, and their sons, Brenden and Andrew,” Plymouth Fire Local 1768 said on Facebook.

The Plymouth Fire Department initiated the “Pass The Helmet” Project in his honor, culminating with a ceremony for the former firefighter in June.

The helmets from the Plymouth firehouse traveled to 75 different cities, towns and firehouses throughout the Bay State as other firefighters wished Melanson well in his ongoing battle. 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 after the ceremony. “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.

A uniformed walk will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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