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Community Builder Award - 2024

Picture-L to R: Garrett Lyons, Master of Lodge & Randy “Bud” McCollum
recipient of the Community Builder Award for 2024

David Elliott Lodge held its second fundraiser of the Masonic Year on Saturday, January 27, 2024, to support the Lodge’s efforts in its charitable endeavors, community relations and scholarship programs. Over one hundred Lodge, community members and other visitors attended and enjoyed a good breakfast and an opportunity to socialize with friends and neighbors.

After the breakfast those present adjourned to the Lodge Room where Master Garrett Lyons of David Elliott Lodge presented Randy “Bud’ McCollum, Chief of the Omaha Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service the prestigious Community Builder Award.

The COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD is designed to enable a Lodge to recognize outstanding non-Masons who have distinguished themselves through their service to the community, to the local, state, or national government, to their Church or Synagogue, or humanity. Thus, the award is presented to individuals who, although they have not been initiated into Masonry, have followed the same precepts, ideals and standards that have been established for Masonic behavior. Lodges are encouraged to seek out the people who, year in and year out, quietly and without fanfare, show their devotion to their community and its people.

Every community has these individuals. This year’s recipient is one such individual. Chief Randy “Bud” McCollum who is Chief of the Omaha Volunteer Fire Department & Emergency Medical Services. He is responsible for the coordination of these services that permit Omaha residents and businesses to receive fire protection along with favorable ratings for insurance on their homes and businesses. The Emergency Service Departments provides a local and immediate level of care for sick or injured individuals until they can be transported to the appropriate medical facilities. In our rural setting it is comforting for the community to know that we have trained individuals locally to respond to emergencies. When new individuals are looking for a place to live or locate a business, fire and emergency services availability is essential in their decision to relocate.

After the presentation, Master Lyons gave everyone an opportunity that attended to bring greetings. Many of the Lodge members, friends, neighbors, and professional associates gave testimony to the character, arduous work, and accomplishments of the recipient as a member of the Fire Department, a local businessman willing to help the community and simply being a good friend and neighbor. This testimony regarding the recipient indicates what an asset he is to the community and to the positive impact an individual can have on a small community. Thank you, Randy “Bud” McCollum for all you have done and continue to do for the community.

Master Lyons and Lodge Officers expressed their appreciation for those that came out to support Lodge activities within the community and to show appreciation to the Community Builder Award recipient and his organization that contributes so much to the well-being of the community.