Police officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and dispatchers from across the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland, as well as family and friends, gathered Sept. 11 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for the annual Blue Mass, which honors the work of all public safety personnel. The liturgy was presented by the Greater Cleveland Safety Forces Holy Name Society.
Father Doug Brown, pastor of Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Cleveland, was the celebrant. Father Brown also serves as chaplain for the Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland Fire Department and Cleveland Metroparks Police Department. Concelebrating were chaplains for some of the suburban safety forces, including Father Joe Mamich, cathedral pastor and chaplain for the Strongsville safety forces. Deacon Tom Ward, who served 33 years with the Cleveland Police Department, assisted with the liturgy and was the homilist.
(See above for a photo gallery from the Mass.)
Deacon Ward recalled the events of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four planes, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York City, and a third into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane was taken over by passengers and crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. The deacon, who had just finished working the night shift, said all officers remained on duty to deal with potential threats from the attacks.
“Police, firefighters and other first responders ran into the towers while everyone else was trying to get out,” he said, illustrating their sense of duty and agape, “a self-giving, unconditional love.”
Deacon Ward said God's love for humanity was exemplified by Jesus’ death on the cross. “Agape prioritizes the good of others, even if it requires self-sacrifice. Agape is what led police, fire and others to run into the towers to save others,” he said, noting that “Sometimes, we need to be reminded of our baptismal call to serve others.”
First responders are called to a ministry of service, Deacon Ward said, reminding the faithful that Pope Francis wanted the clergy to get “the smell of the sheep, to get out of their comfort zone. The same thing applies to first responders,” he explained. “There is no other profession like the police department, fire department or emergency services to get the smell of the sheep.”
Deacon Ward said safety forces/first responders minister anywhere the face of Jesus can be found, including slums, courts, hospitals and jails, performing corporal works of mercy.
“Being a first responder gives you an extraordinary way to live the Gospel of Christ in your lives,” he added.
A roll call of all first responders who died since the 2024 Mass was read. The liturgy included an honor guard from the Cleveland police and fire departments and the safety forces pipes and drums. A wreath was placed at the safety forces’ memorial outside the cathedral prior to the liturgy.
A reception in the cathedral courtyard followed the Mass.