Northern Lodge No. 236 Donates State-of-the-Art Fire Suppression Tools to Local First Responders
Thief River Falls, MN — November 17, 2025 — Freemasons of Northern Lodge No. 236, affiliated with the Masonic Grand Lodge of Minnesota, hosted a special presentation this evening to donate advanced fire suppression tools to local law enforcement and fire personnel, underscoring the Lodge’s long-standing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the Thief River Falls community. Eighteen (18) fire suppression tools were donated providing tools for each police and sheriff vehicle in Thief River Falls and Pennington County.
Current Worshipful Master Joe Drevlow opened the event, welcoming community members, several Past Masters of Northern Lodge No. 236, and honored guests: Thief River Falls Police Chief Marissa Adam, Pennington County Sheriff Seth Vettleson, and Thief River Falls Fire Chief Rick Baier.
The presentation was delivered by Gregory Vokovan, Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and Matthew Voulgarakis, District Representative for northern Minnesota. Representing both Northern Lodge No. 236 and Minnesota Masonic Charities, they highlighted the importance of supporting first responders with cutting-edge tools that can save lives and reduce damage during emergencies.
Northern Lodge No. 236 has been an integral part of Thief River Falls for more than 124 years, dedicated to civic responsibility and community improvement. During the event, Worshipful Master Drevlow shared a poignant local historical connection between the Lodge No. 236 and fire safety: its founder, Charles Winslow, Thief River Falls, perished in the tragic 1903 Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago, a disaster that claimed 605 lives. His story serves as a solemn reminder of the lasting impact fire can have on families and communities.
As part of the Lodge’s ongoing commitment to public safety, tonight’s donation equips first responders with advanced, compact fire suppression units designed to extinguish a rolling fire in a confined space in under one minute. The devices deploy an environmentally safe aerosol that is non-toxic to humans and animals—unlike traditional suppression tools that remove oxygen from the room. Once activated, the devices can reduce fire-burning capability within 35 seconds and lower temperatures by up to 1,000 degrees, enhancing the safety of occupants, pets, and emergency personnel.
Funding for the fire suppression units was secured by donations from Northern Shine and fundraising activities by Northern Lodge No. 236; along with the generous support of Minnesota Masonic Charities.
“We donate these with the hope that they will never need to be used,” said Drevlow, “but with prayers that, if the day comes, they will help protect both our citizens and the brave men and women who respond to emergencies.”
Following the presentation by Vokovan and Voulgarakis, Chief Adam, Sheriff Vettleson, and Chief Baier delivered brief remarks expressing appreciation for the Lodge’s support. The event concluded with demonstrations and photos.
For more than a century, Northern Lodge No. 236 has worked to make Thief River Falls a stronger, safer place. Tonight’s donation continues that tradition of service.
More information about Northern Lodge No. 236 can be found on Facebook by searching “Freemasons of Northern Lodge No. 236” while more information about how to become a Freemason can be found at www.BeAFreemason.org.