Officers gather in front of the statue at Our Lady of Hope, commemorating the annual Blue Mass and honoring the sacrifice of first responders.
A solemn tradition continued as officers gathered at Our Lady of Hope on Monday, Sept. 30 for the annual Blue Mass, dedicated to honoring and praying for first responders who serve, have served, or tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Blue Mass is a Catholic Mass that recognizes the service and sacrifice of law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders. The name comes from the traditional blue color of many officers’ uniforms, symbolizing their commitment and courage. During the mass, prayers are offered for the safety of law enforcement personnel, as well as for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony includes the reading of names of fallen officers, firefighters, and first responders, along with special blessings for law enforcement motorcycles and other units.
The ceremony featured an Honor Guard team, which included two officers from the Berlin Borough Police Department, who assisted with the presentation of colors, adding a formal and reverent touch to the proceedings.
“The Berlin Police Department’s administration routinely attends the Blue Mass,” Scheer said. “In addition, we have two officers in the honor guard detail at the mass, which is important to me—that our department is representing such a sacred event.”
Scheer highlighted the growing community interest in honoring first responders especially with the young people.
“… The attendance seems to have continually risen over the years, including more private schools of all ages,” he said.
The Blue Mass has significant meaning to the Berlin Police Department because of what it represents,” Scheer said.
“It is a beautiful Catholic tradition that honors first responders and asks God to protect them,” he said. “This really resonates with our officers due to how many first responders give the ultimate sacrifice each year.”
During the annual Blue Mass, New Jersey State Trooper Marcellus Bethea was honored with his family in attendance. The trooper collapsed and died during training on May 5.
“It was a very moving moment when he was honored,” Scheer said.
The Blue Mass drew local law enforcement officers, officials and community members together. Dignitaries from national, state, and local government were also in attendance.
“… Life is so precious and you need to live each day to its fullest, be the best version of yourself each day,” Scheer said. “Lead by example and be a role model. Police officers are held to a higher standard, as we should be, and we need to meet or exceed that standard.”
For the officers of the Berlin Borough Police Department, the Blue Mass is not only a ceremony but a symbol of the deep respect and appreciation they have for each other, their families, and the entire community they serve.
