Freemasons Undertake Protection of Children in NJ
Freemasons undertake protection of children Friday, January 06, 2006 By Anne B. Jolis ajolis@sjnewsco.com WESTVILLE -- Fingerprints, DNA, dental impressions, biographical information and a clear likeness of some 55 Parkview Elementary School students were collected on Thursday by local Freemasons. It's information they hope will never have to be used. "It's the worst case scenario that a child is abducted, God forbid," said Freemason John Stephenson of the Freemason's CHild Identification Program, or CHIP, implemented here for the first time. "We'll do anything to protect the children." Advertisement With the volunteered help of two licensed dental assistants and officers from the County Sheriff's office, freemasons from the 21st Masonic District led students through the CHIP assembly line. First, the children answered such questions as where they live and what their favorite color is. Next, they were fingerprinted by the police officers, then they were given "bite block" dental impressions, which also provide DNA. Finally, the students were led to a small make-shift DVD-movie-burning studio, where they were recorded while holding up large placards with their names and interviewed. This, said Stephenson, is so the children's mannerisms and appearance are recorded. "It was like being a movie star," said Brianna Spera, age 6. "And the fingerprints -- those were like finger painting." "Then, all the information is wrapped up in a manila envelope and sent home to the parents -- we don't keep any of it," said Stephenson, adding that the program is voluntary and requires parental consent. "The information being collected here is very valuable," said Sheriff's Officer Michele McGuire. "Normally, we don't have anything close to this -- this could go very far." The children, ages 4 through 6, for the most part weren't aware of the sobering need for such identification measures, but rather saw the program as a chance to get ink on their fingers and star in their very own DVD. "I always wanted to see my toothprints," mused Dylan West, 5. Sydney Johnson, Shannon Richardson, Miranda Campo and Kaytlin Phelan, all age 4, said they were sure to report that their favorite restaurant is Chuck E. Cheese. "The police were funny," said 6-year-old Zachary Possoff. "And my mom will be excited to see my toothprints and fingerprints. She likes that stuff." Fifth-grade teacher and freemason Richard Kell, who suggested the program to the school, said that hopefully they can repeat it every two years. "In the U.S., there are 1 million kids missing at any given time," said Ernie Forte, regional coordinator for the Freemasons. "We can't let that happen -- our children are our most valuable asset." For more information on the Freemasons, go to www.njfreemasonry.org. http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/local/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1136538954144680.xml&coll=8