West Harrison Mass Honors Heroes in Blue

First responders, public officials and all who protect and serve their communities received well-deserved recognition Friday night at St. Anthony of Padua Church during the fourth annual Blue Mass.

The Mass has become a tradition in West Harrison since it began in the spring of 2008.

"It became an event that this parish and our entire community look forward to all year long," said Rev. Christopher Monturo, who was sworn in as official chaplain of the Harrison Police Department during the Mass.

Community members praised firefighters, police officers, emergency medical workers and public officials near and far during the two-hour ceremony. The evening concluded with Monturo and Edward Cardinal Egan, archbishop emeritus of New York, blessing emergency vehicles parked outside from a raised fire ladder.

"Jesus, like you, spent a good amount of his time answering distress calls," Monturo said during the Mass. "For all that you do and all that you are, tonight we say thank you and God bless you, not only tonight, but always."

The West Harrison Fire Department was honored for its 100 year anniversary this year. Chief Steven Mancini accepted several gifts as well as praise during the mass. Cardinal Egan swore Monturo in as Harrison Police pastor, he has also served as pastor of the West Harrison Fire Department for three years and will now fill the role in both departments.

"I hope you will rely on me and all I can say is I will do my best and I can't do any more than that," Monturo said after he was sworn in.

All public servants and emergency responders were issues a St. Anthony prayer card and Monturo blessed and thanked each servant. Hundreds of friends, family and community members filled the church for the Blue Mass, which has caught on more and more every year with people near and far.

"It was great, beautiful," said Virginia Gregory of West Harrison, who said this was the first time she has had a chance to attend. "I know a lot of the firemen and policemen, they're all wonderful people."

"It was really beautiful, excellent, could not have been better," said Margo Markowitz, of West Harrison, whose husband is a volunteer firemen and son was an alter server during the Mass.

Most of Harrison's local politicians, as well as White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach and County Executive Robert Astorino attended the mass. Cardinal Egan came from his home in New York City to attend.

"Tonight I'm honored to be here and I'm delighted to have the honor to tell you how much we honor you, admire you and love you," the Cardinal said while addressing the hundreds of uniformed emergency responders. "Thank you so much."