By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Last Tuesday, the Northfield Chapter of the Mason’s Lodge donated fire suppression equipment to the local first responders. The donation was presented at the Northfield City Council meeting. The president of the chapter, Graham Loivold noted that the Masonic Lodge has been a part of Northfield since 1864 and working to make the community a better place.
“160 years of dedication to this community and surrounding areas. We’re not just an organization. We’re your neighbors, your friends, fellow residents committed to making this a safer, stronger place to live. That’s why we’re privileged to donate 13 fire suppression tools to the police and fire departments today. To date, Minnesota Masons have delivered more than 500 of these units across the state, equipping first responders with a crucial tool in fire emergencies.” – Graham Loivold, President of the Northfield Masonic Lodge at the 3/18/2025 Northfield City Council Meeting
The Masons are donating 13 devices in total, 10 for the Northfield Police Department and 3 for the Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Services. Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer stated that the devices will now be carried in patrol vehicles so that they can be deployed quickly at the start of a fire:
“With how fast today’s fire spread, fire suppression tools are a tool designed to basically buy more time, so to to get a larger fire department response to saving property and potentially injuries or deaths. ” – Jeff Schroepfer, Northfield Police Chief, at the 3/18/2025 Northfield City Council Meeting
The devices are able to suppress and cool a fire in a building the size of a two car garage in under a minute. The devices last for up to 15 years and use non toxic chemicals.
Each device costs about $1,000, with funds raised by the local Masonic Chapter and match donations from Minnesota Masonic Charities. The total donation is valued at approximately $13,000.
Watch a demonstration of the device here:
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