Honoring Our Front-Line Heroes
This fall, the Scottish Rite, NMJ is honoring our first responders. Our Brothers who serve and save others truly exemplify our core value of Service to Humanity. From the September 11 attacks to the COVID-19 global pandemic, first responders have always been the front-line heroes of our communities. Each week, we’ll be sharing their stories and celebrating their service.
Meet Brother Rick Gabbard, 32°: Firefighter
Discover more stories like Rick’s when you request a member of our First Responders Speakers Bureau to present at one of your Masonic events.
Today, we’re sharing the story of Brother Rick Gabbard of the Valley of Dayton.
Like many other first responder stories we’ve shared over the past several weeks, Brother Gabbard began his career as a first responder 15 years ago volunteering at his local fire department.
He moved up the ranks and became a career firefighter. Soon after, he added various other titles to further assist his community, including fire inspector and fire investigator.
Brother Gabbard stands in front of a firetruck at his station
Reflecting on his work and career, Gabbard said: “Working in a field that provides help to people in crisis is difficult work, but also extremely fulfilling. Knowing that I am giving the best care and help that I can makes it all worthwhile. It’s like being in Freemasonry; you do your best to make the world a better place.”
Brother Gabbard in his Germantown Lodge 257 shirt.
Outside of his duties as a first responder, Gabbard is actively involved in Freemasonry. He is a member of Germantown Lodge 257 (Past Master 2019), Twin Valley Chapter 240 Royal Mason, Adoniram # 131 Cryptic Masons, Valley Commandery # 80, as well as the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton. He currently is part of the District Officer Association of the 2nd Masonic District in Ohio as the Montgomery County Representative. You may also recognize him as one of the many faces in the Grand Lodge of Ohio’s “This is Ohio Freemasonry” campaign!
Thank you, Brother Gabbard, for all that you do to serve and protect our communities.
First Responders Speakers Bureau
We have many first responders among our Scottish Rite brethren. Learn more about these brave men of courage and service in our series of profiles we will feature this fall. In fact, a First Responders Speakers Bureau has been established, and our Brothers profiled here are just a few who are available by request to present at your local event.
Visit the Leadership Resource Center where you can download the Speakers Bureau Directory which lists the available speakers in your state.