Elkhart firefighters shave their 'domes' for coworker being treated for lung cancer

ELKHART — Hair clippings and bald firefighters filled the Elkhart Central Fire Station on Monday afternoon as barbers sheared off hair and mustaches.

The firefighting brotherhood came together to raise money for 37-year-old Elkhart firefighter Travis Mahoney, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

More than 100 firefighters from Elkhart and the surrounding area were on hand to get their heads shaved and donate to offset the cost of Mahoney’s medical treatments in an event dubbed ‘Shavin’ Your Domey for Mahoney.’

“There’s a brotherhood among firefighters and this is proof of that,” said Dustin Flagg, president of the Elkhart chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters who organized the event.

Mahoney has been with the Elkhart Fire Department for 11 years and he’s left a strong impression on his fellow firefighters.

“Travis has got a heart of gold about the size of Texas,” said Kevin Alber, a 13-year veteran of the fire department and close friend of Mahoney. “He’d do anything for any one of us, that’s why you have such an outpouring of guys here that are just doing the same for him.”

“He’s helped hundreds of people, he’s saved lives,” said interim fire chief Steve Kamp.

Mahoney said he started chemotherapy last week and is staying positive.

“I’m optimistic as all get out,” he said. “I’m 37 years old, I got three kids and a beautiful wife, I’m not going anywhere.”

One of the highlights of the afternoon came when Mahoney helped shave the mustaches off Capt. Jeff Josselyn and Lt. Nick Hintz. Josselyn had kept his mustache for two decades and the gathered firefighters raised more than $750 to convince him to shave it off.

All told, the event raised well over $5,000 and members of the fire department said they plan to hold additional fundraising events for Mahoney in the near future. A PayPal account and a Facebook page are also being set up for those wishing to donate.

According to Flagg, small-cell lung carcinoma is not currently on the list of cancers covered by state law for disability payments, but he is working to get it added for Mahoney. Flagg said there are currently three Elkhart firefighters battling cancer.

“This is what it’s all about,” Mahoney said. “If anybody needs help, these guys will do anything they can, including, and up to, shaving their head.”