Deacon Daniel Ezekwe is in a unique position when it comes to understanding the role of faith in the life of a law enforcement officer.
“We put our life in danger every day that we leave our homes. We are hoping that we return home safely,” said Dcn. Ezekwe, a career parole officer, during his homily at the 22nd Annual Blue Mass on Oct. 18. “The only one we have to trust and count on is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is always there beside us.”
This year’s Blue Mass was held at Christ the Redeemer Church in Grand Terrace with Bishop Alberto Rojas serving as the Principal Celebrant. The annual liturgy is an opportunity for the Diocese to thank and pray for those who work in public safety, including police officers, firefighters, and first responders.
“Thank you for all you do,” Bishop Rojas said at the Mass. “I see many of you on the roads and the streets [when I am driving]. This is a good reminder for all of us to continue to pray for you.”
Speaking from his experience in law enforcement, Dcn. Ezekwe suggested during his homily that those in public safety are not only protected by God in their work, they also have opportunities to share God’s love with those they encounter. He said he talks about God regularly with the parolees that he interviews.
“I spend the time to ask them if they go to church. This allows me to share the Gospel message with them,” Dcn. Ezekwe said. “As I am discussing God with them, I see the reaction on their face when they feel sorry for what they did to be there.”
At the conclusion of the Blue Mass, several rituals take place. Clergy and police chaplains welcome all public safety attendees to approach the altar for the “Blessing of the Badges.” There was also a tribute to local police and firefighters who had been killed in the line of duty during the recent year. It included the ringing of the “Last Alarm” bells and the sounding of bagpipes. Those memorialized at this year’s Blue Mass were Riverside County Deputy David Calhoun, Riverside County Deputy Isaiah Cordero, Riverside County Lieutenant Steve M. Taylor, Rialto Fire Battalion Chief Michael J. Peel and Barstow Fire Department Engineer David Allen Spink.
Finally, Bishop Rojas presented the Chief Patrick Crowe Award, given to a member of the public safety committee who models their faith in their work, to Gloria Huerta, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (to read the related article, please search for the article titled, "Award winner Huerta displays her faith throughout public safety career.")