By Joe Pisani
BRIDGEPORT — First responders from throughout Fairfield County gathered on November 17 for the annual Blue Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral as Bishop Frank J. Caggiano praised them for “courageously facing death and risking their lives for others.”
The annual observance recognizes the service and commitment of police, firefighters, dispatchers and emergency medical technicians. Contingents from Bridgeport, Norwalk, Greenwich, Ridgefield and Danbury attended the event, which also recognizes first responders nominated by their department chiefs for exceptional service.
This year, Norwalk Chief of Police James Walsh nominated Officers William Lowe III and Brett Deri for saving the life of a construction worker who suffered a life-threatening medical emergency while working inside a sewer.
“The man was hoisted out with the help of both officers and the construction crew and was moved away from the manhole,” said Deacon George Kain, organizer of the Mass and chaplain of the Ridgefield Police Department. “The worker was unconscious, his skin was blue, and he had no pulse. Officers Lowe and Deri began to perform CPR and provided oxygen to him. He regained a pulse and began to breathe on his own before again losing consciousness.”
The officers continued to administer CPR until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital. He has since fully recovered.
“The quick actions taken by officers Lowe and Deri significantly contributed to saving the life of the construction worker,” Deacon Kain said.
Bishop Caggiano presented both officers with awards in recognition of their actions, and they were joined by their families during the presentation.
“We’re super proud of them for what they did that night,” Chief Walsh said, “and it’s a well-deserved honor.”
Deputy Chief Terrence Blake said the officers “did an amazing job” and demonstrated the professionalism of the department, which has had officers recognized for heroism in the past at the Mass.
“I’m honored to be here today and glad we were able to help the worker,” Officer Deri said. In addition, Officer Lowe expressed his appreciation for the honor and said, “It was a beautiful service.”
In his homily, Bishop Caggiano said one of the most socially unacceptable topics in our society is “the reality, the mystery of death, which is something few people want to talk about because in the secular world, where there is no place for God, death presents a problem.”
However, he told the faithful that as Christians, “You and I see it in a different way, with a different set of eyes.”
He praised the first responders and said, “They are not afraid to courageously face death or to risk their lives for others so that they might escape death.”
“Sometimes my friends,” the bishop said, “as a society and as individuals we forget the sacrificial work these officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers do every single day.”
“Many times they find themselves in circumstances where they themselves must risk their lives for others,” he said. “Oftentimes they face the mystery of death of those whom they try to help. In whatever situation, they are not afraid to demonstrate courage and generosity and self-sacrifice, and they live their lives for those whom they serve.”
In a society that wants to run away from the mystery of death, the bishop said, “These men and women do whatever is required every single day so that others may be protected, and that is why we come here today, to pray for them…that God will protect you and keep you safe in his love with the protection of his angels, most especially St. Michael the Archangel, the guardian of the Gate of Heaven. May he provide whatever courage you need so that you may continue to be capable. We come here to thank you who serve others in their greatest need, even at the cost of risking your own lives.”
The bishop then addressed the young people at the Mass and urged them to consider a vocation as a first responder.
“This is a beautiful and courageous and noble vocation,” he told them, “and it is one of the most important vocations you can embrace.”
Deacon Kain, who was police commissioner of Ridgefield for 23 years, organized the event with Deacon Rick Lawlor of St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield, where they both serve.
“I am convinced that people who take these jobs are being called no less than a deacon or priest,” Deacon Kain said. “When they take on a job as a firefighter, police officer, dispatcher or emergency medical technician it’s because they’re called. Whenever we do an invocation or benediction at a swearing-in, I always say, ‘This is a calling … and you have answered the call.’”
He said the recognition they are accorded at the Blue Mass is very important.
“It is always nice when you feel like you’re being recognized for something the public will probably never hear about,” he said. “If I were a Catholic police officer, and I was involved in an act that saved somebody’s life, I would be so grateful to God that he was able to use me.”
When he served as police commissioner, he always prayed for his officers, he said. “And my job now as chaplain is to pray for our officers and the department. I take that seriously and do it every day because you never know what danger they’re going to walk into at any given moment.”
Greenwich Police Chief James J. Heavey, who regularly attends the Mass, said, “It’s a tradition that’s over 20 years old, for us to remember those we have lost and to give us spiritual guidance.” Chief Heavey was joined by his wife Kia, his department honor guard and command staff.
The Blue Mass takes its name from the blue uniforms that police, fire and emergency services personnel wear. The Mass was begun to celebrate the heroism of those who died during the 9/11 terrorists attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.
