The theme for Police Week 2026, “Keeping the Promise to Never Forget Our Fallen Heroes,” was echoed at the annual Greater Cleveland Safety Forces Holy Name Society Corporate Communion Mass. Father Doug Brown, pastor of Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Cleveland and Catholic chaplain for the Cleveland police and fire departments, celebrated the May 16 liturgy.
A single police hat sat on a table in front of the altar throughout the Mass, which was attended by members of safety forces in the diocese and beyond. The hat was a reminder of those who died while protecting others.
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The feast of the Ascension of the Lord was celebrated last weekend, marking Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Although he was no longer physically with his followers, Jesus, who was fully human and fully divine, did not abandon them, Father Brown said.
“He told them, ‘Behold, I am with you until the end of the world.’ He didn’t abandon us.” Father Brown emphasized. He said we need to be like the saints who always keep their eyes on heaven. “They became saints because they wanted heaven more than earth … The gates of heaven were closed by the sin of Adam and Eve and opened by the sacrifice of Jesus.”
He connected Jesus’ sacrifice for our redemption with members of the safety forces who sacrificed their lives for our safety.
“We pray that they will enjoy their heavenly reward and we continue to pray for their souls and for their survivors,” Father Brown added.
A color guard processed in before and after Mass, accompanied by the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums. They performed briefly outside after Mass and posed for a group photo with Father Brown in front of the church.
A brief reception took place in the church vestibule.
Police Week, May 9-16, was presented by the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society. The commemoration recognizes all law enforcement officers for their service and honors those who died in the line of duty serving their communities.
The annual Police Week observance included placing grave markers at the burial sites of the fallen in local cemeteries, a candlelight vigil at the Greater Cleveland Police Officers Memorial in downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Police Badge Case Ceremony, the annual parade in downtown Cleveland followed by a service at the memorial, a police collectors show, the annual tattoo tribute featuring pipes and drums and fellowship.
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