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LAPLACE — St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre and several officers with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office joined other parish first responders for a Blue Mass on November 17, 2022 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace.

The Rev. David Ducote, celebrant for the Mass, said he is grateful to first responders for being peacemakers.

“… What does it take to keep the peace? … I know it takes that daily sacrifice that all of you make … to put yourselves in harm’s way for us. It takes the sacrifice of your families, too,” he said. “And, many times those sacrifices are hidden from our eyes. Sometimes, you are rejected from the very people who have dedicated your lives to serving. Yet, you willingly sacrifice anyway because God has given you a special vocation to protect and to serve and to care for others. So, that is why we come here today … to thank you for all that you do for our community.”

Deacon Daniel Reynolds assisted Rev. Ducote. Students from St. Joan of Arc also attended to show support for first responders.

Sheriff Tregre expressed his appreciation to Rev. Ducote and his staff and congregation and the SJA students as well as the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus for their support of first responders.

After the Mass, Rev. Ducote and Deacon Daniel led a blessing of police units and emergency vehicles. First responders also enjoyed a delicious jambalaya meal in the Family Life Center.