Archdiocese of Newark to Celebrate 31st Annual Blue Mass Honoring Active, Fallen Police
Liturgy Celebrated by Cardinal Tobin will Recognize 11 Deceased NJ Law Enforcement Officers
October 26, 2024
Newark, N.J. – The Archdiocese of Newark will celebrate the 31st Annual Blue Mass honoring the dedication and sacrifices of New Jersey law enforcement personnel on Thursday, November 7, at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will preside over the Mass, which will be attended by law enforcement officers of all faiths representing federal, state, county, and municipal departments and agencies. They will be joined by the families of the deceased being recognized as well as multiple police honor guard units, bagpipers, and drummers. Numerous community members — including several high-ranking public officials — will also be present to show their support.
“The Blue Mass is a reminder of the sacrifices police officers make, but it’s also a chance for the community to come together in prayer, reflection, and unity,” said Lieutenant Christopher Whiting of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, who is co-chairman of this year’s Blue Mass. “In a time when law enforcement faces numerous challenges, this event is an opportunity to bridge divides and reinforce the support that officers need, both spiritually and from the public. The Mass serves as a powerful reminder that the work they do impacts everyone, and they deserve our appreciation and respect year-round.”
This year’s Blue Mass will pay tribute to nine local police officers who died in the line of duty within the past few years, including many who succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses: New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Elizabeth Police Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi, Port Authority Police Captain Richard L. Ruiz Sr., Port Authority Police Captain John M. Collins, Port Authority Police Officer David J. Lee, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa, Port Authority Police Officer John M. Cortazzo, and New Jersey Transit Police Inspector Robert Noble.
Additionally, Millburn Police Officer Luke Lyons and Fairfield Police Detective James Ciampi — two police officers who passed away outside of duty — will be recognized for their years of commitment to law enforcement.
“The officers being honored this year were individuals dedicated to their profession, embodying courage, selflessness, and a deep sense of duty,” Whiting said. “They always put the safety of others above their own, and they were highly respected within their departments and communities. Their passing is a profound loss, but their legacy of service and sacrifice will be remembered and celebrated during the Mass.”
For more information on the Blue Mass, contact Vincent Nardone and William Schievella at 1-800-427-7651 or [email protected]
New Jersey State Police Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea of Florence, Sayreville Police Captain William Gawron, Sergeant Michael “Zini” Kurinzi of Toms River, Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa of Hazlet, and Officer Luke Lyons of Randolph will be honored at the Archdiocese of Newark’s 31st Annual Blue Mass on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Blue Mass is a tradition that pays tribute to all New Jersey law enforcement personnel, with 11 deceased officers being celebrated this year.