Well, hello Nobles.
As of this writing, the Fire Brigade has been getting active in 2021. We’re watching the calendar. The Fire Brigade Nobles have been getting our engines ready for the potential parades.
Thank you to all the Nobles that came out to get the engines out of our trailer and inside the auditorium for service. Then returned them back into the trailer for storage. We are in the process of preparing Service 1, donated by the late Captain Emeritus Charlie Jefferson, who was very generous and a devoted member of our Unit as well as Masonry.
Speaking of generous and devoted members, the Black Camel visited our Unit again and took Noble Lt. Anthony Voner. We were able to attend his wake, provide and Honor Guard and, attend his funeral. Thank you very much – to all the Nobles who were able to attend and provide some support to his family. Thank you as well for the cards and notes to the family. They send a great big “Thank you!” to everyone.
Anthony came to us after volunteering at the Circus and speaking with Captain Henry Brown. He then became a Master Mason and joined the Shrine. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Fire Brigade. He continued to work at almost every event. He also helped sorting and transporting (with other Nobles) our tab contributions. We all will miss him deeply.
Better late than never, CONGRATS to the Divan for Aleppo 2021. Illustrious Potentate Rob Johnson and our own now Past Potentate Gary Bartlett, Oriental Guide Cliff Critch and Chief Aid Earl Bethune! (I’ll have a diet Pepsi, please) LOL. Congratulations also to the newly appointed Colonel of the Uniformed Units, Col. David Fink and the new President of the North Shore Shrine Club Dr. Gary Freedman. We look forward to working with everyone.
The Fire Brigade hopes to see everyone in Wilmington on Memorial Day. And hopeful again in September (18th) for the Mass Antique Fire Apparatus Assoc. Parade. Hello to all the Snow Birds! Hoping things are okay wherever you are.
For all the Fire Brigade members, if you are able to join us, we’re hoping to “Zoom” all our meetings in the future. If you need help with linking up, let us know so we can assist you.
And lastly, thanks to Brother Art Dunham Sr. and Brother Bob Wood (from William North Lodge), the Lowell Masonic Building and my fellow employees at Cyber Comm Solutions for all the pull-tabs collected for the Fire Brigade. Every little bit helps our program.
TTFN
Chief Ken Zeller, and Capt. Henry Brown.