Emergency responders honored at Blue Mass

Courtesy photo/Frank Carmona

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Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown receives a blessing from Fr. Rick Sherman during the Feb. 18 Blue Mass at St. John the Baptist Parish.

DRAPER — The annual Blue Mass on Feb. 18 drew members of law enforcement and other first responders to St. John the Baptist Parish, where they were blessed and treated to a breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

The Utah Highway Patrol Honor Guard led the procession into the church. Fr. Rick Sherman, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, presided at the Mass, which was concelebrated by Dominican Fr. Denis Reilly, parochial vicar, and Msgr. Terence Moore, pastor emeritus.

Fr. Sherman welcomed all the public servants to the Mass, which he explained was “to recognize the sacrifices that you make for us on a daily basis and to give you our best blessing.”

The readings for the day were appropriate for the Blue Mass, Fr. Sherman said in his homily, because they explained that humankind must focus on building the world so that it is not so lawless, and those being honored are charged with maintaining law and order.

He also thanked the first responders, acknowledging that they have a dangerous job, and “we do appreciate you and we don’t take time enough probably to pray for you specifically. Spiritual energy does strengthen and give you a sense of peace.”

Among those attending were Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, along with members of her department as well as that of the Unified Police Department, including many dispatchers.

“I wanted to make sure we were here to accept the blessing,” Rivera said. “It means the world to us to be recognized like that and to be given a blessing – it’s just a true honor.”

Other agencies represented were the Constable’s Office, and the police departments of the University of Utah, Lone Peak, Salt Lake City, Sandy and Draper.

“Everybody was just here to receive the blessing,” Rivera said.

“It’s nice to have the community come together and to have this faith recognize us and bless us – I just think it’s a real positive thing,” said Draper Police Chief John Eining.

Lt. Dave Boerner of the Lone Peak PD agreed. “We think it is really nice that St. John the Baptist puts this on for all law enforcement, fire and paramedics,” he said. “On a day-to-day basis you deal with so much adversity, and it’s nice to come and celebrate Mass.”

The Mass not only recognizes law enforcement and public service, but “it shows also dedication to our savior and to our God, and we appreciate that,” said Les Langord, a retired state trooper with 30 years of service.

The breakfast was a way “to show our thanks for everything you do, for the hours you give up to keep us safe, and for being there when we need you most,” said Grand Knight Frank Carmona as he invited the officers to the meal.

Although the breakfast was complimentary, a free will offering was taken, with the proceeds to benefit the Utah Peace Officers Association Fallen Peace Officer Trail. Each year, 14 officers are honored during a ride on the Fallen Peace Officer Trail  near Moab, said Kent Curtis, administrative assistant for the Utah Peace Officers Association. Funds are donated to families of fallen officers; in addition, scholarships also are offered the children.