The units, which drop the temperature of a fire by approximately 1,000 degrees in seconds, are available to the force immediately
[GRAND RAPIDS, MN] – Mesabi Metallics and four Itasca County Masonic Lodges have donated 30 life-saving fire suppression units to the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, enough for every squad car in the force. Photos of this evening’s event are available for download here. Video footage of the fire suppression units in use can be found here.
Fire suppression units are used by first responders as a highly effective tool against both early stage and fully developed fires. The fire suppression units are held in small, square carrying cases. To activate the unit, a responder simply pulls two pins before throwing it into the structure. Following an eight-second timer, the unit releases human-safe chemicals which knock down the fire and decrease the temperature by approximately 1,000 degrees in less than a minute. The units allow people to escape burning buildings more safely and allow more time for local fire departments and other first responders to arrive on scene.
The collaboration was spearheaded by Nashwauk Lodge, Chippewa Lodge, Mesaba Lodge and Itasca Lodge, who cumulatively raised $5,000. Mesabi Metallics contributed the remaining $3,400 necessary to complete the donation. The donation is part of Mesabi Metallics’ and the Masonic Lodges’ ongoing commitment to the prosperity and safety of Itasca County and its residents.
“As a proud contributor to the wellbeing of the Iron Range, Mesabi Metallics is honored to support the heroes who protect our communities and neighbors,” said Joe Broking, President & CEO of Mesabi Metallics. “Our first responders deserve the latest innovations in technology as they serve our communities, and my hope is that these fire suppression units will go a long way in protecting life and property in our county.”
“Freemasons take an oath to support those around them and give back to their communities,” said Greg Vokovan, Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, A.F. & A.M. “Across the state of Minnesota, Freemasons have stepped up and proudly provided these units to their local first responders. We’re proud of our efforts to support our communities and potentially save lives.”
“The Nashwauk, Chippewa, Mesaba and Itasca Masonic Lodges are proud to have answered the call to support our first responders,” said Nashwauk City Council Member and Freemason Greg Heyblom. “We are thankful to Mesabi Metallics, a trusted corporation in our community, for stepping in and matching our donation. Those who raise their hand to protect our communities deserve our ultimate gratitude, and I’m proud that we can potentially make their jobs safer in the future.”
“As the guardians of Itasca County, our highest priority is the safety of each and every one of our residents and the safety of our force,” said Itasca County Sheriff and Freemason Joe Dasovich. “Itasca Country residents deserve the peace of mind that first responders are equipped with the latest technology to keep people safe and will assist them to the best of their abilities on their darkest days. We’re ready to get these units into our fleet and will be able to utilize them immediately.”
Members of the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office have been fully trained in deploying the fire suppression devices, and the 30 units donated by Mesabi Metallics and the Masonic Lodges will be integrated into their fleet immediately.
