TRR photo by David Hulse Fire and emergency services volunteers and police are pictured filing into St. Anthony’s Church for the June 9 Blue Mass. (Click for larger image)

Hundreds turn out for ‘blue’ tribute

By DAVID HULSE

YULAN — Out of the tragedy of last September, a new regard for the emergency and uniformed services has arisen and many people reflected that regard at the first annual “Blue Mass” June 9 at St. Anthony’s Church.

There were smiles all around on the faces of honored state and local police officers, volunteer firefighters and emergency medical workers. Blue ribbons marked the first five rows of pews in the church, where they were seated.

An overflow turnout, close to 200 according to Knights of Columbus organizers, was on hand.

Pastor Fr. Evans used the story of Jesus and the tax collector, Matthew, as a metaphor for today. He recalled that Jesus was criticized for socializing with the hated tax collector, to which Jesus replied that only the sick need help.

Evans said those who didn’t need help criticized, but “affliction, we all immediately turn to God,” as many did following the “awful thing that took place” last September 11. “Healing is up to the individual, but we all represent society.”

“Here, we have a small portion of those who gave so much. We honor those people and that calling,” he said.

At a social gathering following the mass, County Court Judge Frank LaBuda recalled that the nation is at war and local volunteers and emergency services are on the front line of terrorism. “We don’t know where the next strike will be,” he said.

Their vigilance is our protection and “they do all the time because we are American volunteers. God bless you all,” he said.

Volunteer firefighting has changed constantly in the 36 years since Joe Mellan became a firefighter, he said. “[T]errorist attack…whoever thought of that? We have to rededicate ourselves to be prepared for what ever the future brings us.”

Lou Pine said there is more than fire and death in emergency medical work. He reported that American Legion Ambulance personnel on June 5 delivered a baby boy at 9:42 p.m. and that “mother and son are doing very good.”

State police investigator Peter Scalia said people who do this work “don’t do it to be heroes or courageous, but to help others. They put in a 20-year career to help make things right.”

Several area businesses donated food or cash for the refreshments following the service. They included The Yulan Convenience Store, The Eldred Preserve Restaurant, Peck’s Markets, Il Castello Restaurant, The Barryville Hotel, Oelkers Store, The Colonial Restaurant and Davis R. Chant Realtors.