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First Responders Hero 2021 09 02 153311

First responders exemplify our core values through their selfless commitment to service. Today, we’re sharing the story of Brother and Port Authority First Responder Moises Gomez.

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 Moises Gomez, 33°, MSA: Port Authority Emergency Service Unit

Discover more stories like Moises’ when you request a member of our First Responders Speakers Bureau to present at one of your Masonic events.

A man working on a New York Port Authority boat
Brother Gomez working at the NY & NJ Port Authority

Today, we’re sharing the story of Illustrious Brother Moises Gomez from the Valley of Northern New Jersey.

Brother Gomez, 33°, works for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as part of the Emergency Service Unit and has done so for the last 32 years. His work primarily involves handling emergencies that arise at the tunnels, bridges and airports in the New York City tri-state area. Currently, he’s stationed at the George Washington Bridge, the only 14-lane bridge in the world.

A first responder team sits together beside a fire truck
Brother Gomez early in his career working alongside colleagues
A first responder at the scene of a rescue mission
Brother Gomez standing in uniform on a rescue mission

In addition to being an active first responder, Ill. Brother Gomez travels the world giving lectures and virtual presentations to Masonic communities. In the United States, he’s presented to lodges and Valleys in 29 states! While he gives lectures on a variety of subjects, his most popular presentation is on his experiences during 9/11. Moises was a responder at both terrorist attacks directed at the World Trade Center in 1993 and 2001, as the World Trade Center is owned and operated by the Port Authority.

A firefighter stands beside the rubble at Ground Zero
Brother Gomez captures the scene at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks


A first responder stands on top a pile of rubble
Brother Gomez working through rubble as a first responder


The first time he recounted his 9/11 experience was at the first Scottish Rite symposium, an event which he organized for the New Jersey COD.

Thank you, Brother Gomez for your selfless service and commitment to protecting 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.

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Discover additional Scottish Rite blogs and news on this topic.