Elizabeth Kepniss (973) 497-4187 kepnisel@rcan.org

For Release :  October 2, 2002

Fallen Heroes Honored at Sixth Annual St. Florian Mass for Firefighters
The Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate the sixth annual St. Florian Mass for Firefighters Mass at 2:45 p.m., Sunday, October 13, 2002 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St., Newark. Everyone is to be seated at 2:45 for the presentation of colors and National Anthem.

At the Mass, the following six firefighters who died in the line of duty this past year will be honored:

Firefighter Willie Barnes, Country Lakes Volunteer Fire Department
Died September 16, 2001
Firefighter George F. Danielson, Mine Hill Fire Company
Died November 9, 2001
Firefighter Robert W. Feeney, Long Branch Fire Department
Died January 16, 2002
Fire Marshall and Deputy Chief John D. West, Mount Ephraim Fire Department
Died July 4, 2002
Chief James E. Sylvester, Mount Ephraim Fire Department
Died July 4, 2002
Firefighter Thomas G. Stewart, III, Gloucester City Fire Department
Died July 4, 2002

“The Mass allows our firefighters and their families and friends the opportunity to pray for their continued safety as they perform this most important duty in our community, as well as to remember those who have lost their lives saving others,” said Archbishop Myers

St. Florian was an officer in Roman army in the third century, and is said to have stopped a town from burning by throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze. He is now associated with the men and woman who protect us from fire, specifically firefighters.

The Mass will honor paid professional, volunteer, and retired firefighters from throughout the four counties, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union, of the Archdiocese and beyond. Firefighters, fire chaplains, friend and family are invited to attend the Mass and lend their support.

2000 News Releases