Brethren coming to Friday’s session of 2023 Annual Communication were in for a big surprise when a Wisconsin State Trooper squad car was parked outside the Wisconsin Masonic Center – with it’s red and blue lights blinking.
Pictured above, Trooper Lucas Gavioli of the Wisconsin State Patrol, a Master Mason in Hiram Lodge No. 50 in Madison, is seen welcoming those arriving to Annual Communication. This was the kickoff to the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Second Century Plea to announce a donation of 57 AED and FST units to the Wisconsin State Patrol. This donation is the first installment on a Masonic commitment to the Wisconsin State Patrol to ensure that each Trooper vehicle is equipped with this life-saving equipment, making Wisconsin roads safer and furthering our impact on careers in public service.
In his remarks to the Brethren gathered for Annual Communication, Brother Peter Tourville, President of the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation, announced: “To kick off the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Second Century Plea, it is an honor to announce a donation of 57 AED and FST units to the Wisconsin State Patrol. It is our hope that this is not a one-time donation but is a commitment to the Patrol to ensure that each Trooper vehicle is equipped with this life-saving equipment, making Wisconsin roads safer and furthering our impact on careers in public service. We will continue to develop the relationship with the Patrol and expand our reach into our communities. To facilitate community involvement the Foundation is asking to work with district representatives at the Grand Lodge level to design and run public awareness and fund-raising events intended to raise funds to support general Acts of Kindness on a District Level. This will ensure that local lodges are given acknowledgment and to make possible the fund raising on the local level needed to complete a long-term commitment to the State Patrol.”
On hand to accept the donation was Lt. Col. Ryan Chaffee of the Wisconsin State Patrol, who stated, “It is an honor to receive such a generous donation and commitment to the Wisconsin State Patrol’s public safety mission.”
State Patrol Officer Lucas Gavioli at the Annual Communication with members of his Lodge, Hiram 50. From left: Cruz Gracia, Master; Trooper Gavioli; Lyle Christian, PM; Dave Kilps, PM; and Hans Hallanger, JW. (Photo submitted by Brother Lyle Christian, Secretary)
