Law enforcement officials gather for annual Blue Mass

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki celebrated the annual Blue Mass for law enforcement on Monday, January 21st at the Basilica of St. Josaphat. The Mass provides an opportunity for members of law enforcement and their families to pray for protection and reflect on this past year.

Over 100 braved the cold to attend Monday evening's Mass. It was an opportunity to continue mourning the loss of fallen officers and think of law enforcement officials who risk their lives every day.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn was on hand for this special Mass.

"It gives us the chance to reflect on the virtue and the value of our work," Chief Flynn said.

This year, the Mass had a different tone than in past years because of incidents like the Sikh Temple shooting, the Azana Salon & Spa shooting and the murder of Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena on Christmas Eve.

"As a family we have an opportunity to remember those that have gone before us, fallen in the line of duty or passed away after retirement," Chief Flynn said.

"It's also kind of a sense of healing for us as a community," Listecki said.

During Listecki's homily, he spoke of this being an opportunity to thank the men and women of law enforcement for risking their lives to make ours safe.

Chief Flynn discusses the service his officers are there to provide and its importance to the community and making everyone's lives better.