3 Mesa masonic lodges donate $1K to family of fallen Apache Junction police officer

Three Masonic lodges rallied together to support a community cause by collecting donations totaling $1,000 for aiding the family of a fallen police officer.

Officer Gabriel Facio of the Apache Junction Police Department passed away on June 8 from wounds received during a shootout with a suspect in Apache Junction.

The three lodges, Oriental No. 20, Apache No. 69 and Camelback No. 75 called for donations and the brethren generously gave to the cause to assist the family of Officer Facio, a three-year veteran of the Apache Junction Police Department.

The donations were presented July 1 to the AJPD to be given to the family of Officer Facio.

Attending the presentation were, from the AJPD, Chief Michael Poole, Assistant Chief John John, Cmdr. Joseph Penze, Cmdr. Cindy Ewer; the worshipful masters of the three lodges, Marc Geyer of Oriental No. 20, Robert King of Apache No. 69 and Norman Petersen of Camelback No. 75; and Brother Paul Sweitek.

In all three lodges, there are members who are or have been members of various police agencies. The call to assist the family of a fallen fellow officer was met with an immediate outpouring.

The Masons are a benevolent fraternal organization. They believe in self-improvement, supporting each other, community service and charitable works. The best-known body of Freemasonry is the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals.

These three lodges meet in east Mesa and hold their regular meetings in the same building at 726 N. Center St. in Mesa.