Local law enforcement personnel gather for Mass of Thanksgiving

By Ambria Hammel | Dec. 3, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

More than 70 members of emergency personnel joined 100 school students and other Catholics for a Mass of Thanksgiving at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral Nov. 25.

The annual liturgy honors police officers, firefighters, paramedics and border patrol agents for their service. Before Mass began a police officer and firefighter read the names of 44 peers who passed away — one in the line of duty — during the last year. Others lit a candle in their honor.

Emergency personnel protect the vulnerable, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said in his homily. He repeatedly thanked them for their service and extended a special heartfelt gratitude for those who died or were injured on the job.

“We assure you of our compassion and the love of God,” Bishop Olmsted said.

The first reading appropriately spoke of truth, justice and other characteristics law enforcement personnel uphold daily.

“It’s not difficult to follow the words of St. Paul when it comes to the Blue Mass,” the bishop said.

Phoenix police officer Jaime Ramirez has been coming to the Blue Mass for 19 years and finds strength in the community, especially this year when the economy has made the job tougher.

“It’s always nice to see everybody here,” the Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioner said before returning to Glendale.

The Beck-Randall family attends the Blue Mass whenever they can, but this year had special meaning for them. Three of the Beck brothers and Lloyd Randall, their brother-in-law, all firefighters, were gift bearers during the morning liturgy. They presented the gifts to Bishop Olmsted in honor of the Beck patriarch, Harry Beck, Sr., assistant chief for Phoenix Fire, who passed away this year.

Most of the family has been on the job for at least 30 years with the third generation trying to enter the force.