Newark, NJ – The Archdiocese of Newark is set to host the 30th Annual Blue Mass on Thursday, November 2, at 10 a.m. at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This special occasion, presided over by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, is dedicated to honoring the dedication and sacrifices of law enforcement personnel across New Jersey.
The Blue Mass tradition brings together law enforcement and fire officials from federal, state, county, and municipal departments and agencies, representing various faiths. The event will also be attended by the families of the deceased officers being recognized, along with multiple police honor guard units, bagpipers, and drummers. High-ranking public officials are expected to show their support.
This year’s Blue Mass will pay tribute to officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Among them is Bayonne Police Captain Paul Jamolawicz, along with other heroes, including Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro, Deptford Township Police Officer Robert Shisler, U.S. Customs Supervisor Jacqueline Montanaro, Timothy Sullivan of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Gerald Barbato.
Additional officers to be remembered include Bayonne Sergeant Robert Skalski, Newark Captain Richard Weber, Officer Brendan Burke of the New Jersey Transit Police, Lieutenant Walter A. Imbert of the Orange Police Department, Timothy O’Hare of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and Detective Alex Melendez of the New Jersey Transit Police.
For the first time ever, this milestone Blue Mass will also honor two local firefighters, Capt. Augusto Acabou and Capt. Wayne Brooks, Jr., of the Newark Fire Department. These brave firefighters garnered national attention for their heroic efforts while battling a Port Newark cargo ship blaze.
Following the Mass, a luncheon sponsored by law enforcement will take place at the Branch Brook Park Roller Rink in Newark. Tickets for the luncheon can be purchased at the door or by contacting Vincent Nardone and William Schievella at 1-800-427-7651 or bluemass@embarqmail.com.
This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and sacrifice displayed by law enforcement and firefighters in New Jersey.
