Archdiocese of Newark’s Blue Mass honors active, fallen police and firefighters (Video, photos)
A dozen New Jersey law enforcement personnel and two Newark firefighters who died serving and protecting their communities were honored by the Archdiocese of Newark at the 30th Annual Blue Mass on Thursday, Nov. 2, in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, who presided over the Mass, told those in attendance that the Mass, held on All Souls’ Day, not only recognizes those brave souls who have gone before us but all of those who serve and protect our communities.
The Mass was attended by hundreds of law enforcement and fire officials of all faiths representing federal, state, county, and municipal departments and agencies. Multiple police honor guard units, bagpipers, and drummers were part of the Mass, while the families of the deceased being recognized New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Attorney General Matt Platkin also attended. Public safety officials in attendance included Newark Public Safety Director Fritz G. Fragé, Assistant Director Rufus L. Jackson, and Deputy Director Sheronda Morris.
This year’s Blue Mass paid tribute to six local police officers: Bayonne Police Capt. Paul Jamolawicz, who passed away unexpectedly while on duty on Nov. 12, 2022, after serving 37 years on the force; Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro, a former MLB pitcher who was killed in a wrong-way crash on his way to a 9/11 memorial ceremony in September 2022; Deptford Township Police Officer Robert Shisler, who succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained on March 10 while struggling with a suspect following a foot pursuit; U.S. Customs Supervisor Jacqueline Montanaro, who died from injuries she sustained while trying to rescue her daughter from a fire in Hazlet on Jan. 13; Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer and Wood-Ridge firefighter Timothy Sullivan, who succumbed to 9/11-related cancer in January 2022; and New Jersey State Police Lt. Gerald Barbato, who also died of 9/11-related cancer in January of this year.
Because law enforcement personnel served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic — with many getting exposed to the virus on the job — the Blue Mass also honored another six officers who recently succumbed to the disease. They are: Bayonne Police Sgt. Robert Skalski, New Jersey Transit Police Officer Brendan Burke, Bergen County Sheriff’s Officer Timothy O’Hare, Newark Police Capt. Richard Weber, Orange Police Lt. Walter A. Imbert, and New Jersey Transit Police Detective Alex Melendez.
And for the first time ever, the Archdiocese recognized two local firefighters. Remembered were Capt. Augusto Acabou and Capt. Wayne Brooks, Jr., of the Newark Fire Department, who were killed while fighting a blaze aboard a Port Newark cargo ship July 5. The two men’s tragic deaths made headlines nationwide — President Joe Biden even expressed his condolences — but particularly impacted Newark, where their funerals were held in the Cathedral Basilica. Owing to the grief still felt in the local community, it was decided Capt. Acabou and Capt. Brooks will be the first firefighters in the Blue Mass’ three-decade history to be honored during the liturgy.
The Gospel was John 6:37-40: “Everyone who believes in the Son will have eternal life, and I shall raise them up on the last day.”
Referring to the First Reading, Wisdom 3:1-9, “But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them,” Cardinal Tobin assured those in attendance that the officers who lost their lives are now “at peace, because they are in the hands of God.”
During the preparation of the gifts, the congregation sang “No Greater Love,” which includes the lyrics, “There is no greater love, says the Lord, than to lay down your life for a friend.”
A luncheon, sponsored by law enforcement, followed the Mass at the Branch Brook Park Roller Rink in Newark.
Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera
