A retired Poulsbo Fire Department volunteer leader has died.

Lt. John “Jay” Melrose passed away as the result of a traffic accident in October, according to PFD’s Facebook page.

A service to celebrate Melrose’s life will be held at Keyport Bible Church Dec. 22 at 1 p.m.

One of Melrose’s favorite events was the Santa neighborhood tours PFD does each Christmas season, according to the department. In keeping with his passion, Santa will make a visit at his celebration service to pass out one last candy cane. Keyport Bible Church will be accepting non-perishable food donations for Fishline in Melrose’s honor.

PFD’s statement reads that Melrose spent the majority of his adult life serving his community and country, starting with the U.S. Air Force in 1964. Following his military retirement, he joined PFD, where he continued his service to the community for another 17 years.

Melrose also was a firefighter, emergency medical technician, wildland firefighter and volunteer coordinator from 1999-2016.

“Jay was well-liked and respected by the members of the department and was always there with a helping set of hands,” The statement says.