From The East January 2010

Recently, I found out about an incredible story that involved a Brother from Sunrise Lodge. Last May, a boating accident occurred in the Manasquan River in Monmouth County. Brother Richard Caputo, a New Jersey State Trooper, responded to the call. When he arrived he found that during the accident five people had been thrown overboard into the water. Four of the five were rescued; however, one person was still unaccounted for. Brother Caputo and another Trooper dove into the 56-degree water in search of the missing boater. Brother Caputo found the missing person approximately 12 feet below the surface on the river floor and quickly brought him to the surface, where the two Troopers then assisted him with swimming the person to awaiting rescue personnel on shore.

This story alone is a truly remarkable, and Brother Caputo deserves to be recognized for his heroic efforts. However, there is more. The 200 Club of Monmouth County recognized his courage by awarding him the Valor Award, and along with it a $1,000 donation. Brother Caputo requested that the donation be made to the Sunrise Lodge Charity Fund.

It is no coincidence that this selfless act was carried out by a Mason. Through its teachings, Masonry guides our lives, and Brother Caputo’s actions are an example of Masonic light. We are taught to do good unto all men, relieve the distressed, and exhibit fortitude – to perform our duties in face of pain, peril, or danger. Even while accepting the award recognizing his selfless actions, Brother Caputo was still thinking of helping others. By choosing Sunrise Lodge for his charitable contributions, he knows that this money will used to help people in the community who are in need.

I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Brother Richard Caputo for his exemplary service to our State and community. Your efforts are heroic and the charitable contribution will be used to extend your generous principles to those in need.

Worshipful Master