CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — A special mass was held in our region Sunday to honor local first responders during National Correction Officers and National Police Week.
Holy Spirit Parish in DuBois was the host of this year’s “Blue Mass” in Clearfield County. According to Father Ben Daghir, this is celebrated annually, going on since the 1930's, in the catholic church.
State troopers, firefighters, correctional officers, and other first responders in attendance were honored throughout the service.
“Several of the reactions I received today were a simple thank you, because these individuals are so humble. We don’t know what they go through on a day-to-day basis, the experiences they have, but we do know that the lord Jesus can relate to their service, and to their sacrifice,” Father Ben Daghir said.
During the service, connections were made to the work that first responders do. Father Ben says that these men and women make a sacrifice to better their community and show love through their actions.
After the service, corrections officers lined up with flags outside, and many community members took a second to shake their hands and say thank you.
“To me, it means a lot to have the community support, even though it’s a selfless act to be a firefighter or police officer or in the emergency services, it’s really nice to see a nice crowd of people come out to support us,” said Stephanie Tarbay, with the Lawrence Township Vol. Fire Company.
Father Ben says they want to make sure every first responder in the area gets the praise they deserve.
“The goal, for sure, is to continue this celebration but since this geographic region is large, we move it each year between churches.”
He says that, as of Sunday, he doesn’t know where the “Blue Mass” will be held next year.
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