On Monday, January 30, 2023, Jim Goldsmith, a Freemason, and other members of the Oregon Masonic Lodge presented the Belleville Fire Department with a donation of a Fire Suppression Tool (FST).Before presenting the donation, Goldsmith took a few minutes to talk about their organization.

"Freemasons are good men, doing great things, in communities throughout Wisconsin. There are approximately 170 Lodges spread all around this great state, from Superior to Kenosha, from Door County to Dodgeville, and everywhere in between. I'd like to share some examples of the great things that Freemasons and their Lodges are doing in their communities."

"Most Masonic Lodges have a scholarship program for high school seniors who will be continuing their education. Many Lodges have donated AEDs to their area schools, and there are several examples of these defibrillators actually saving lives. Some Lodges have community dinners, some have Easter egg hunts, some may bring Santa Claus in for the kids to enjoy. We support children's hospitals, children's dyslexia centers, youth groups, senior citizens, and food pantries. And the list goes on and on."

"These are just some examples of Freemasons doing great things to make their communities better."

When talking about the Fire Suppression Tool, Goldsmith told the BFD, "These devices are capable of knocking down a fire in an enclosed space in less than a minute once they are deployed. As you all know, based on your training and experience, minutes, and even seconds, can make a difference when trying to save someone's life, or a structure that's in danger from a fire. Now I want to be clear about something: FSTs are highly effective in suppressing a fire still contained in an enclosed space, like a kitchen, a bedroom, or a basement. They are not intended to be used on a structure that is already fully engulfed in flames, like the recent house fire in the Town of Oregon."

A short video of the FST in use can be found on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/hZdrLft46cQ

The Fire Suppression Tool has a number of features including:

they emit a high powered, environmentally friendly aerosol that does not deplete the room of oxygen, making them safe to use around people and pets

they can reduce the temperature of a fire by up to 1,000 degrees in less than a minute

they have a 15-year battery guarantee, and they are maintenance free

homeowners insurance policies will often reimburse municipalities $1,000 if they are used, because they do a fraction of the damage that excessive water does.

Sue Moen

Goldsmith noted that they have donated FSTs to Oregon, Verona, and Brooklyn Fire Departments.

He also told the members of the Fire Department, "In November, we donated one of these FSTs to the Belleville Police Department. Chief Eichelkraut was so impressed with them that the very next day he ordered three more of them so they would have one in each of their patrol cars."

Goldsmth wrapped up saying, "Fire Suppression Tools have the potential of saving lives - lives of the citizens you have sworn to protect! So on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Wisconsin, and the Oregon Masonic Lodge, we are proud to give you one of these amazing FSTs."