WATCH: Sacrifices, scrutiny heard at first responder Blue Mass

South Jersey law enforcement were recognized for always answering the call. Watch video

GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Whether it be the fire house phone ringing, dispatch radioing in or a request for service from someone on the street, police, fire and EMS personnel answer the call -- always.

For their sacrifices and so much more, hundreds of family, friends and students came out to the Diocese of Camden's annual Blue Mass that honors those in the field across South Jersey.

"This is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to those in uniform who serve us," Bishop Dennis Sullivan said at the Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Agnes Church on Wednesday.

Units from Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties were recognized for the work they do on a daily basis and the members they lost in the past year, including New Jersey State Police troopers Sean Cullen, Eli McCarson and former Trenton police officer Edward Leopardi.

Father Joseph Szolack, the parish's new pastor, is the son of a former Woodbury police officer who later worked undercover narcotics investigations for the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

"So often I wanted my dad to carry a briefcase and go to work like everyone else," said Szolack. "Of course my dad went out the door with a 9mm [handgun]," he said.

"How often you know there is no rest for the weary," he continued. "Nothing will stop you from doing your duty when you're a disciple of Jesus."

Honored at the ceremony for decades of service across South Jersey was Deacon Jim Hogan, Gloucester County's clerk who formerly served as Franklin Township's chief of police and continues to comfort those at South Woods State Prison, in Cumberland County, and Camden City homeless shelter Joseph's House.

"There's people along the way to help you, then it's your job to give back to those you run into," Hogan said after receiving a standing ovation.

Officers killed in shootout remembered

Commenting on the number of students in attendance, Gloucester Township Police Department Deputy Chief David Harkins said Wednesday was "one of the best community policing interactions we could have."

The recent heat brought down on police as a result of shootings across the country, in which armed and unarmed people were killed, was also addressed by Szolack.

"Do not give ammunition to those who think you don't matter," he said.