By Catholic San Francisco
The San Francisco Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Park Rangers joined the Archdiocese of San Francisco for the annual Police-Fire-Sheriff Memorial Mass at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, honoring first responders who serve the city and those who have died over the past year. This year’s Mass, celebrated by Father John Greene, chaplain emeritus of the San Francisco Fire Department, marked the 80th anniversary of the Herbert Hotel Fire, which started the tradition, and the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Mayor Daniel Lurie attended the Mass alongside other city and civic leaders, current and retired first responders in uniform, St. Cecilia Catholic School students, and parishioners.
A tradition in the city
The Memorial Mass traces its origins to July 30, 1946, when a five-alarm fire tore through the Herbert Hotel at 161 Powell Street, killing four San Francisco firefighters — Lieutenant John Borman and Firemen Albert Hudson, Walter Elvitsky, and Charles Lynch — and injuring at least 30 others. It was called the city’s worst blaze since the 1906 earthquake fires. Quick thinking averted even greater loss: night clerk Mary E. Perry rang all 150 hotel rooms, while two police officers went door-to-door rousing the roughly 200 guests inside.
“This Mass is our tribute and San Francisco remembrance for the men and women who serve us as first responders before, during and since that tragedy,” said Father Michael Quinn, chaplain of the San Francisco Police-Department, in his homily. “All the firefighters lost in that terrible blaze had family and friends and an entire city who were devastated by their loss. In San Francisco, we understand that the entire family of our first responders also serve. They all choose to love and serve with integrity, compassion and forgiveness. They choose to serve to protect and promote life. Sirens, for fires, ambulances, or victims of crime indicate help.”
A year later, first responders and faith leaders held a memorial Mass for the fallen — a tradition observed ever since. After 9/11, it expanded to also honor the lives lost that day, including first responders, the greatest loss of emergency responders in a single day in American history. Thousands more have since died from illnesses tied to Ground Zero exposure, and roughly 130,000 still receive related medical care.
Bringing peace and forgiveness in service
The readings for the Mass reflected the importance of forgiveness, which brings peace.
In his homily, Father Quinn reflected on the theme.
“A first responder cannot give his or her best if they are half-hearted in wanting to help others,” he said. “They demonstrate their compassion in their vocational calling. They cannot succeed in saving lives if they cannot forgive. When they respond to danger, they are motivated by saving and protecting lives more than faultfinding…They spend years of witnessing evil and carelessness and yet choose to be effective over becoming cynical. This is an exhibit of love of neighbor.”
Father Quinn used the story of Pope St. John Paul II who showed immense courage in forgiving the man who tried to kill him on May 13, 1981. In December of 1983, the Pope visited Mehmet Ali Ağca, the shooter, in prison and told him he forgave him.
“[Pope St. John Paul II’s] willingness to forgive allowed him to serve others better,” said Father Quinn. “He chose to be caring to all. Caring for others involves choice.”
Following in the footsteps of St. Francis
Father Quinn also spoke on St. Francis of Assisi and his example, honoring the 800th anniversary of his death, highlighting a famous quote attributed to him: “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
“Catholics around the world look to St. Francis of Assisi as an inspiration for living boldly for God,” said Father Quinn. “We, too, can shine in that same light. When the world around us feels dark, we remember this quote and live the lives God would prefer. Even a small candle can illuminate the deepest darkness.”
A message from the archbishop
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone could not attend in person but sent a statement to be read at theMass.
“To our police officers, firefighters, sheriff deputies and all first responders: thank you for your invaluable service to our communities and for the sacrifices you and your families make, often unseen by others,” he said. “Please know of my prayers for you, for your families, and for all those who have given their lives in the line of duty. May God protect you, strengthen you in your vocation of service, and bless you and your families. May He grant eternal rest to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and comfort all who mourn their loss.”
The Last Alarm
The Mass closed as it does each year with the Last Alarm, honoring those who had died over the past year.
This year’s speaker, Sergeant Tony Aguerre, drew on the Scriptures, quoting the second letter of Timothy: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
Aguerre offered this as “an ode to all of our public safety personnel, both active and retired” and to the survivors “left to carry on without their loved ones.” A career in public safety, Aguerr said, “is a marathon and not a sprint.”
“God can bring new life out of what seems lost,” he said. “The Last Alarm will be rung as we honor the fallen today, but remember we will all rise tomorrow, in their spirit.”
Following the Mass, a reception was held in the parish hall to honor first responders. In addition, the attendees honored Father Green who celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest this year.
Photos: Brian Ong
