LEE - Police Chief Jeffrey Roosa was diagnosed with ALS on September 5, 2017.

"Ironically, that was named Pete Frates Day in Boston. I was diagnosed that day and he just passed away yesterday So I'll never forget that day," Chief Roosa said. 

Still on the job, Roosa attended the Annual Western Mass. Chiefs' Holiday Luncheon and was surprised to see this blue van with police lights waiting for him outside.

Hampden Police Chief Jeff Farnsworth said, "We try to take care of each other as much as we take care of our communities. The opportunity to help a fellow chief is just wonderful."

"As much as a surprise it is, it doesn't shock me they did this. They are phenomenal," Chief Roosa said. He added that the van will help him in several ways and is grateful for the support. "This disease takes everything from you little by little and the last thing I want is to be a burden on my family and that's what this will help me avoid."

Although the Western Mass. Police Chiefs had a lot of do with it, a family gave Chief Roosa the vehicle and a wheelchair. Both pieces belonged to Springfield District Court Judge William Boyle who passed away just a few months ago from ALS.

"It's never easy, but what we can do is try to make it as easy as possible for him and his family," Judge Boyle's brother, Joseph Boyle, said. 

U.S. Marshall John Gibbons said, "I am glad they pass [Judge Boyle's] memories on and be able to help someone else."

Roosa's colleagues in law enforcement also want to make thing easy for Roosa as well. 

Chief Farnsworth said, "It's never easy, but what we can do is make it as easy as possible for him and his family.

The Boyle family said by giving Chief Roosa the bus, they hope it helps him battle ALS the same way it helped their brother. 

"We hope this helps him stay in the battle. We want him to know we are always going to be here for him," Joseph Boyle said. 

Judge Boyle's brothers say giving Chief Roosa the van is exactly what their brother would want. 

"I'm sure he would find a lot of joy and happiness in today," Judge Boyle's other brother, Daniel Boyle, said.

"The face that they are helping someone else out and I'll pass that along when I am finally...done, too," Chief Roosa said.