Masons donate smoke masks

Empire Bay Rural Fire Service will receive 11 hot shield face masks for its crew members thanks to the help of Lodge Morning Star Freemasons.

Lodge Morning Star in Gosford, with the help of Karagi Court, donated $1000 to the local fire service after realising its need for the fire safety equipment.

Lodge Morning Star representative Mr Bill Richards said he was delighted to be able to assist the Empire Bay fire service crew with the donation.

"With expected dry conditions for summer, the Empire Bay Fire Brigade felt that every front line member should be fully prepared for the smoky conditions predicted," Mr Richards said.

Senior deputy of Empire Bay Rural Fire Service Mr Ron Rider said it was great to see the generosity and support of Lodge Morning Star.

"Any help is great help and these smoke masks will be a great asset for our crew members," Mr Rider said.

"The fire service has seen a big influx in volunteers over the past year and with that comes a greater need for equipment.

"With the help of Lodge Morning Star we can now begin to purchase the equipment we need starting off with the smoke masks."

Empire Bay Rural Fire Service Treasurer Mr Robert Madden thanked Lodge Morning Star and Karagi Court for its generous support.

"Mr David Richards, director-secretary of Lodge Morning Star, has been involved with freemasonry for over 50 years and this kind of help proves that a group of people can work quietly behind-the-scenes and be effective in providing essential equipment that will assist the local community," Mr Madden said.

Clare Graham, 16 Jul 2009 Interviewee: Bill Richards, Lodge Morning Star Ron Rider, Empire Bay Rural Fire Service Press release, 17 Jul 2009 David Walker, Lodge Morning Star