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Masonic safety ID program at Olde Sanborn Days

by jmaloni
Fri, Jul 8th 2011 06:15 pm

Niagara River Lodge No. 785, of F. and A. Masons, is sponsoring a free safety ID booth at the Sanborn Volunteer Fire Co. firehouse during the Olde Sanborn Days. The booth will be open on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program is not only for children, but open to guests of all ages.

The Masonic Child ID Program was started in 1991 by volunteers in the Queens District. It quickly spread throughout the state. The original program consisted of a brief video interview of a child. It was believed that by showing the child in conversation and capturing the child's gait and mannerisms, law enforcement agencies would have an advantage in locating and identifying a missing child.

After consultation with the state Department of Criminal Justice System, the program was changed to provide an identification card or DataCard. This system provided parents with a plastic card containing information regarding the child, along with a digital photograph and a fingerprint.

Due to the aging population, the program grew larger and now includes student and senior identification cards.

With technological advances and the desire to produce a product that better serves law enforcement agencies in the prompt location of missing children, the program migrated to its current form - the EZ Child ID System. The system provides for a mini CD-ROM containing digital photographs, a complete set of digital fingerprints and critical information about the subject in a universal format, while still allowing for the production of identifications cards. The name has changed from NYCHIP-NYMSIP to the current name of MSID in reference to the program changes. The mission of the MSID program is to:

•Provide a vital community service.

•Aid in the safe recovery of a lost or missing child.

•Aid in the safe recovery of a lost senior citizen.

•Encourage Masons to become involved in their communities.

•Promote a positive image of Masonry in communities.

•Broaden public awareness and recognition of Masonry.

The safety ID kit includes a paper printout of basic information, a laminated ID and all pertinent information is burned onto a mini CD-ROM. The CD-ROM also contains other safety information and a coloring book that can be printed out from it. The kit is given to the parents and/or guardian and records are automatically erased from the company. The company is not allowed to keep any information whatsoever, except a count of participants served. Records are cleared at the end of the day.

To find out more about this program or how the Masons can benefit you or your organization, email [email protected].

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