Although a Plymouth firefighter can't respond to calls any longer due to ALS, his treasured helmet is.
Dale Melanson's helmet isn't just making calls in Plymouth either. To date, it's been to 27 departments across the state, WBZ reported.
This week, Braintree firefighters delivered it to the Quincy Fire Department where it rode in the fire truck.
"The fire service is a true brother and sisterhood and when we know someone is down and especially circumstances like this, we want to be there for them in any way we can," said Braintree Fire Lt. Fredrick Viola.
At each station, one, firefighters sign the helmet and make a donation toward Melanson's medical bills.
It's an emotional show of support and a way to raise awareness of ALS - a neurological disease that slowly takes away a person's strength and ability to move and speak.
It's a cruel fate for anyone, but especially for someone who has spent their life serving others as a firefighter, a Pan Mass Challenge volunteer and in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, supporters say.
