(Police/Fire/EMT’s from Newtown, Greenwich, Norwalk and Fairfield to be honored)
BRIDGEPORT—The annual Diocesan Blue Mass honoring fire, police and first responders will be held on Sunday, September 8, 9:30 am at St. Augustine Cathedral, 399 Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.
The Mass will commemorate the 18th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on 9-11, and also honor first responders for local acts of heroism, bravery and public service.
Law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service personnel of all faiths in Fairfield County along with members of the general public are invited to attend the Mass. A reception immediately following Mass will be held in the Kolbe Cathedral gym on the parish grounds.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the main celebrant along with diocesan priests who serve as police and fire chaplains in Fairfield County.
Father Charles Allen, special assistant to the president of Fairfield University, who has served as chairman of the Blue Mass over the past decade, will be honored at the Mass.
The bishop and Father Allen will also present special awards to Lieutenant Richard Robinson, Newtown Police Department; Sergeant Scott Ruszczyk, Newtown Police Department; Officer Mark Letsch, Fairfield Police Department; Officer Paul Medvegy, Fairfield Police Department; Officer Joseph Havranek, Greenwich Police Department and Officer Julio Rodriguez, Norwalk Police Department.
The Fairfield County Councils and Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus is co-sponsoring the Mass along with the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Chaplains of the Fairfield County fire, police and emergency medical service departments include Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., Fairfield Town Emergency Services; Rev. Joseph Cervero, Redding Police Department; Rev. Jeffrey Couture, Westport Police Department; Deacon John DeRoin, Stony Hill Fire Department & EMS, Bethel; Rev. Sudhir Dsouza, Norwalk Police Department; Rev. Brian Gannon, Trumbull Police Department; Rev Francis Hoffman, Noroton Fire Department; Rev. Timothy Iannacone, Fairfield Police Department; Deacon Frank Masso, Huntington Volunteer Fire Company No. 3; Deacon John J. Moranski, Bridgeport Police Department; Deacon William D. Murphy, Germantown Fire Department; Rev. Robert J. Post, Stamford Fire Department; Rev. Nicholas Pavia, Stratford Police Department; Rev. Christopher Perella, Noroton Heights Fire Department; Rev. Bruce Roby, Stratford Fire Department; Rev. Paul raj Sankaralingam, Norwalk Fire Department; Msgr. William J. Scheyd, New Canaan Emergency Services and Norwalk Fire Department (Retired); Rev. Rolando Torres, Bridgeport Police Department.
The Blue Mass takes its name from the blue uniforms worn by police, fire and emergency services personnel. Founded by Bishop William E. Lori, the Blue Mass was initiated to celebrate the life and heroism of those who died during the 9-11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
