Hundreds gather to Blue Mass service in honor of fallen lawmen

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Slain Springfield police officer Kevin Ambrose was among three Western Massachusetts lawmen honored Saturday afternoon at St. Michael's Cathedral.                                                                         

It's been 8 years since Bishop Timothy McDonnell began celebrating the Blue Mass.

The mass salutes Western Massachusetts men and women in blue, and prays for their safety.

Springfield Fire Department Chaplain Father Gary Dailey told 22News about the focus of this service. “We honor three who died during the past year. We honor the two fallen police officers of Springfield and Westfield and one corrections officer from Berkshire County. “

Hundreds of police officers, firefighters, sheriff deputies, and state troopers attended the late afternoon service.

The Blue Mass has been held every year since Bishop McDonnell became spiritual leader of the Springfield diocese.