The Archdiocese of Newark will hold its 32nd Annual Blue Mass on October 30 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The event is organized to honor New Jersey law enforcement officers, including those who have died in the line of duty.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will lead the ceremony. Law enforcement officers from federal, state, county, and municipal agencies are expected to attend alongside families of deceased officers, community members, and public officials.

Chief Christopher Trucillo of the NJ Transit Police Department serves as honorary chairman for this year’s Blue Mass. He stated: “The Blue Mass at the Cathedral Basilica is a perfect place to celebrate the service of police officers and remember those we have lost. Cardinal Tobin’s presence in the liturgy and his words of solace during his homily always bring comfort to all in attendance and remind those of us in law enforcement that we are the ‘peacemakers who will be called the sons of God.’”

This year’s ceremony will pay tribute to seven local officers who passed away after notable careers. Some honorees died from illnesses related to their response during the World Trade Center attacks over two decades ago.

Honorees include Sergeant Joseph Azcona (Newark Police Department), Sheriffs Officer Justin Rivera (Hudson County Sheriffs Office), Major Jeffrey A. Burke (New Jersey State Police), Sergeant James J. Puhalski (New Jersey State Police), Sergeant Steven E. Blecki (Spring Lake Police Department), SCPO Erick J. Whitaker (New Jersey Department of Corrections), and Corporal Raymond Kuuchi (Veterans Affairs Police).

Chief Trucillo added: “Police officers dedicate their lives to serving others with the full knowledge that they could lose their life fulfilling that commitment. This remembrance and celebration of their lives provides an opportunity for all of law enforcement to come together to honor their sacrifice and offer support to their grieving families.”

For further details about the Blue Mass, interested parties can contact Vincent Nardone and William Schievella at 1-800-427-7651 or newarkbluemass@gmail.com.