contact: Christy Guerra For Release
973-497-4187 April 19, 2007
Archdiocese of
On Sunday, May 6, 2007, the Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, will honor the men and women who willingly dedicate their lives to the protection of the people and property of
Previous Masses have honored the men and women who lost their lives in the service of duty in the past year. This year, the service will honor the memories of Firefighters Edward Marbet, Robert Wisting, George Jackson, Kevin Apuzzio, Acting Captain Vincent R. Neglia, and Acting Lieutenant Thomas VanLiew.
The Mass is named after Saint Florian, an officer in Roman army in the third century, who is said to have stopped a town from burning by throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze, thus associating him with firefighters.
“The call to protect all of us is a difficult one to answer, yet one of the most rewarding,” said Archbishop Myers. “We thank God for the courage He has bestowed upon these men and women. We remember those who have answered the highest call of all in giving their very lives in order to save those in need, and we continue to ask His continued blessings on those who persevere in strengthening our communities.”
Firefighter Edward Marbet served with the Burlington Township Fire Department and gave his life after rescuing his father and fiancée from a residential fire in his own home on February 9, 2006.
Firefighter Robert Wisting was a member of the Rio Grande Fire Company #1 in
Firefighter George Jackson served with the Camden Fire Department and died on March 7, 2006, after an on-scene fire in October of 1990 severely injured him, placing him in a coma for more than fifteen years.
Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio was a member of the East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, and was killed on April 11, 2006 when he was trapped in the basement of a residential structure fire.
Acting Captain Vincent Neglia, who served with the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue Department, gave his life on September 9, 2006 after searching for victims and was trapped behind a wall of flames in an apartment building fire.
Acting Lieutenant Thomas VanLiew, who served with the New Brusnwick Fire Department, passed away on November 28, 2006. He suffered a heart attack shortly after coming on-duty and while performing floor watch duties.
The Mass will honor Fire Service personnel from throughout the four counties,
firefighters, as well as their families and friends, are invited to attend the Mass and lend their support. All who attend are asked to be seated by 2:45 p.m. for the ceremonial procession of colors and the National Anthem. Color guards, honor guards, and pipe and drum bands that wish to participate in the procession are asked to contact Ira Rubin, Hudson County Fire & Police Pipes & Drums, pipebandmgr@juno.com or (201)240-5547.
For more information, please contact Rev. Michael M. Walters, JCL, VF, Chairman, at mitchaper@aol.com or by calling Linda Robinson at 973-497-4013.
