23RD ANNUAL BLUE MASS
The South Brunswick Police Department was the host agency for the 23rd Annual Diocese of Metuchen Blue Mass held this week at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen. The mass honors all in law enforcement who serve to protect their communities and remembers those officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. This year, Sayreville Captain William Gawron and New Jersey Transit Police Inspector Robert Noble were remembered.
South Brunswick Police had been coordinating for a year with the Blue Mass Committee. Chief Raymond Hayducka said, "It was a tremendous honor to be chosen to host the mass. We have been coming to it for years, but this year we ran it. I am very proud of all the men and women of the South Brunswick Police Department who planned and participated in the mass." Over sixty officers, civilian staff, and retired officers attended the mass. Chief Hayducka added, "This was a great day to ask for blessings over all who serve in law enforcement and to support the families of those we lost."
Hundreds of law enforcement officers representing Middlesex, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren, the four counties served by the Diocese, attended the mass. Diocese officials said the mass was one of the largest in the Diocese's history. The Mass included a 21-gun salute and a flyover by a State Police helicopter.
Chief Hayducka credited all those from South Brunswick who came out to make the mass a success. He credited the pastor of St. Cecilia Church in Monmouth Junction, Reverend Charles T. O'Connor; ushers from St. Cecilia Church; the pastor of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Reverend Robert G. Lynam; students from St. Augustine of Canterbury School in Kendall Park; and the Monmouth Junction Fire Department.
Chief Hayducka thanked Sergeant Salvatore Fama, Lieutenant William Merkler, Captain John Penney, Lorena Pyne, and Jackie Simon for their work in planning the mass.
