GROVES — Friends of Groves Fire Chief Dale Jackson are hosting a benefit to help with the modest chief’s medical expenses.

The spaghetti dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Groves Knights of Columbus Hall, 3749 Lincoln Ave., Groves. Plates are $10 each and there will be a cake sale and silent auction.

Jackson, 59, is undergoing treatment for colon cancer and retired fire captain Brad Corley and others are looking to help their friend.

Groves Firefighter Lance Billeaud is the head cook over a team of cooks wanting to assist Jackson, Corley said.

Jackson, 59, has been with the city of Groves for upward of 40 years having began at the age of 16 as a junior volunteer firefighter and working his way to chief.

Friends of Dale Jackson include church members, firefighters and friends.

Despite surgery and treatments, Jackson continues to work.

“When we first approached him about the benefit, he told us no. I finally had to tell him he had no choice,” Corley said. “He’s very humble and very private as far as his health issues are concerned. He continues to work every day and continue to do what he can for the citizens of Groves.”

Corley said the proceeds will help with incidentals not covered by insurance such as gas to travel back and forth to Houston, meals, hotel stay and more.

A Go Fund Me site “Friends of Dale Jackson,” created by Firefighter Pete Konidis and can be accessed at http://www.gofundme.com/8ua7bbs4#sthash.fKEJJ402.dpuf

Besides being fire chief, Jackson is also the city’s emergency management coordinator, coordinator of the Mid-County Small Animal Shelter and president of the Sabine Neches Chiefs Association.

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