GREEN COVE SPRINGS — It was a day of giving and generosity when 78 freemasons gathered at the Cabul Lodge 116 on Thursday, June 25. Although it was a rainy day, the spirits were up. Because in addition to making lodge history, one local organization would receive a hefty donation towards one its robust causes.

Embodying community service and brotherhood is what the group is known for. This time, it benefited the Signal 35 Fund.

The group presented $528 to the nonprofit benefitting first responders and their families in Clay County. The initiative was named after the county's radio code for "officer needs assistance."

Former Clay County Sherriff Rick Beseler and Jud Sapp accepted the donation and spoke on how the organization has made positive waves within the community.

Privately funded, the nonprofit aims to "cut out the red tape" and address the emergencies faced by local public servants quickly and efficiently.

About three years ago, Beseler said he met with Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook and Sapp to come up with a way to help first responders dealing with tough times from illness, injuries or tragedy. 

According to Concerns of Police Survivors, between 140 and 160 officers die in the line of duty in the United States, while thousands more are injured on the job annually while serving their communities. Firefighters also face similar fatality rates with 135 on-duty deaths in 2021.

"We always hear about how many people don't have any money in the bank or emergency cash, so to speak. So, what we set up with the plan, [is] that any first responder in Clay County ... is eligible to receive our help," Beseler said.

Every donation to the Signal 35 Fund acts as ready-to-allocate resource available to public safety employees and their families. Requests are reviewed and approved by the agency head. They then bring it to the board and within hours, Beseler said they deliver the funds.

Over the past few years, Beseler said there have been heartbreaking cases. 

"People who were protecting you every day that come to work, and while they're at work, their house burns down with everything they own inside of it. They don't have a place to spend the night. They need money to get a hotel room," he said. "We could put the money in their hands immediately to help them over the hump."

"It means so much that you want to help others that are out there protecting us every day and we are so grateful for that. And we hope that other organizations will follow suit."

Donations can be delivered in person to any of the participating agencies: the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Green Cove Springs and Orange Park police departments. They can also be mailed to PO Box 8339, Fleming Island, 32003.