FAIRFIELD - The road was closed to traffic except for saluting firefighters on both sides and two ladder trucks from which a giant American flag flew against a clear, powder blue sky.

Beneath Old Glory was the entrance to the Bridgeport Diocese Blue Mass, a commemoration of the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and a day to honor emergency services.

Starting his homily with mention of the anniversary of the attacks, the Rev. Robert J. Post, parochial vicar of St. Thomas More Parish in Darien, chaplain for the Stamford Fire Rescue Department and co-chairman of the Blue Mass Committee, remembered all the firefighters, police and medical personnel who died in the attacks, and prayed for those who “continue day after day to risk their lives to save others.”

“Very comforting for these brave emergency personnel are the words of the Psalmist: ‘In every age, O Lord, You have been our refuge,’” Fr. Post said.

“We come together today to remind all of you emergency service personnel that what you do every day is a calling from God,” he said. “It is a special calling to be with people who are in most need of your assistance from physical dangers.

The motto of the National Fire Service of Italy is, in Latin, ‘Ubi dolor, ibi Vigiles’ — ‘Where there is sadness, there are firefighters.’ This motto can be applied to all three emergency services represented here today. Each of you responds in times of crises.”

Fr. Post introduced the recipients of three awards, instituted two years ago by Bishop William E. Lori for emergency personnel who “exemplify the dedication and moral convictions in performing his or her duties as did those who went before us on Sept. 11, 2001” in service to others.

Awards are not limited to gender, rank or religious denomination.

Off-duty heroics above and beyond the call earned commendation for Bridgeport Police Detective John Tenn.

Det. Tenn was driving his personal vehicle home from work just after midnight last year when he saw a man standing on a street corner in Bridgeport’s East End firing shots down the street.

“Det. Tenn exited his vehicle and ordered the man to drop his weapon … he did,” Fr. Post said. “At this time, a second gunman fired a shot in Det. Tenn’s direction. Det. Tenn returned fire. While his attention was on this second gunman, the first gunman started to walk away.

“Det. Tenn ordered the first gunman to the ground, handcuffed him and made ‘the collar.’ The episode ended with one arrest, a recovered gun and no injuries.”

“Det. Tenn’s conduct exemplified the bravery and commitment which all police personnel strive to achieve,” Fr. Post said.

Assistant Chief Dominick Carfi of the Bridgeport Fire Department was the honored firefighter.

“Assistant Chief Carfi’s tireless efforts to help firefighters and families in their losses has been his hallmark,” Fr. Post said. “He plays a major role in the annual Bridgeport area memorial service for the fallen and the consolation of their families.

“His pastoral concern is not limited to the Bridgeport Fire Department, but extends to many area fire departments which may, and do, require his services. Assistant Chief Carfi loves the fire service and has dedicated his life in the pursuit of improving and promoting this noble profession.

“He exemplifies the epitome of the ‘firefighter’s firefighter!’ He leads by his good example — performing any duty which he required of his subordinates.”

Emergency Medical Technician Sue Scannell, a 20-year member of the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps, also was praised Sunday.

Fr. Post said Ms. Scannell is responsible for the scheduling “which ensures the town of New Canaan 24/7 coverage of volunteer medical emergency personnel.” He said Ms. Scannell often fills in when others are out sick or the department needs help.

“Working with sick and needy patients, Sue demonstrates great compassion and genuine concern for their progress,” Fr. Post added. “These patients are always treated with the great respect and dignity they deserve. Sue’s desire and willingness to care for and help others, both colleagues and patients, is obviously her life-long passion.”

In his homily, Fr. Post said the honorees and all who respond in times of crisis are heeding a calling often associated only with the clergy.

“I personally believe that each of you in emergency services has received a calling that is very much related to our calling,” he said. “You serve people when they are in some of the most difficult times of their lives. Many of you are on the scene before we get called out. You are truly first responders to some of life’s most horrific scenarios.

“Every calling has its burdens and can be overbearing at times,” Fr. Post said. “However, when we stop to consider what our special calling in the emergency services is all about, then we are refreshed in mind and heart to continue to help God’s people. We can share our burden with the Lord and we can learn from Him that He is our constant support.”

Returning his thoughts to Sept. 11, Fr. Post said, “As we pray for our brothers and sisters who went before us on that tragic day, they were and still are our ‘bravest’ and our ‘finest’ — we would expect no less.

“Let us never forget the job they did, for they did it incredibly well. May they all rest in the arms of the Almighty Loving God. Throughout this nation, as we all carry on, let our hearts never be sad, because we are always ready to follow them.”

Closing with “Be safe out there, and God protect you,” Fr. Post was given a thunderous ovation.

BY WILL CONWAY, Correspondent 09/12/2008

Police, fire, and EMS officials representing Fairfield and other nearby towns marched down the Post Road to St. Thomas Aquinas Church this past Sunday to participate in the 6th Annual "Blue Mass." The event, run by the Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, began in September of 2002 to mark the anniversary of 9/11 and honors our heroic public rescuers.

"Every year the event is held in a different town," said Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto before the celebratory march to the church, "So we are proud as a community to have been chosen by the Diocese this year." Event organizer Sgt. James Perez added, "It's really a tribute to all those [rescuers] lost on 9/11, and I feel honored to host an event in their name." The march began at the police station on Reef Road, where rescue officials had a friendly meet-and-greet with local leaders, including First Selectman Flatto as well as Probate Judge Caruso. Dressed in formal wear, the police and fire squads were laughing and joking and munching on coffee and pastries.

That is, until the parade began. Once ranks were formed and flags were raised, the rescuers' faces fell serious and solemn, remembering the tragedy of 2001. An eerie silence echoed through the air disturbed only by the wind rustling the leaves on nearby trees, and spectators could only feel a unique bittersweet pride. "This is really remarkable," said one, adding, "I've never seen anything quite like this."

Representing towns from Trumbull to Stamford, members of rescue units all across Fairfield County marched in rigid formation down Reef Road.

Following behind were the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic Benefit Fraternity devoted to charity and service.

The parade then turned onto Post Road toward Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, where the streets were lined with fire trucks and officials saluting their marching peers. Two ladder trucks suspended an enormous American flag across the street in front of the church, where the parade stood at solemn attention and filed slowly inside.

Bishop William Lori, the head of the Diocese of Bridgeport, spoke kind words during the Mass. "We gather here today to honor our 'first responders' on this date so close to 9/11. These are people we should be so very thankful for in our society," he said.

"It's really a tribute, this event," said Ken Flatto. "We are proud of our rescuers, every one of them."

©Fairfield Minuteman 2008