Local Heroes Honored at Blue Mass, Luncheon
Plaques and legislative certificates were given to Antioch P.D. Officer of the Year Jim Stenger, Pittsburg P.D. Officer of the Year Richard Hosier, CCC Fire Prevention District Firefighter of the Year Brett Schooley and California Highway Patrol Office of the Year Mark Mitchell. Photo by Megan Schooley
By Walter Ruehlig
Any thank you will fall short in expressing gratitude to first responders who put their all on the lines day in and day out. On September 17th the Knights of Columbus, as event sponsor for the tenth year running, tried their modest best to show appreciation.
The day started off with a bagpiper leading the way into St. Ignatius of Antioch Church where a resplendent Blue Mass was held in honor of those in uniform who serve us. The choir and organ music, led by Musical Director Don Pearson, was magnificent. The chief homily, given by Rev. Robert Rien, brought many a wet eye and lumped throat.
Luncheon, organized by Knight Gary Clausen and his staff at Twin Rivers Insurance, followed at Lone Tree Golf and Event Center. Walter Ruehlig emceed an alternatingly light-hearted and praise-filled afternoon. The Quintanilla brothers, Antonio and Carlos, assisted by Robert Plurkowski, brought in the colors.
Antioch Police Officer of the Year Jim Stenger and Chief Alan Cantando
Dayang Montilla, an opening pitch mainstay for the Stockton Ports baseball team, sang a stirring Star Spangled Banner, and Richard Asadoorian gave spirited a capella renditions of “Ave Maria” and “To Dream the Impossible Dream.” Sound engineering was donated by Malcolm Hunter, video by Joe Montilla of Snapeye Productions and background music by David Hunter on bass and Greg Lyncj on piano.
In attendance were County Board of Supervisor Mary Piepho, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Wade Harper, City Councilor Mary Rocha, County Board of Education Trustee Cynthia Ruehlig, Antioch School Board Trustee Gary Hack, Antioch Superintendent of Schools Donald Gill, Antioch Chief of Police Alan Cantando, Pittsburg Chief of Police Aaron Baker, Fire Captain Ben Sanders, Lieut. Chris Sherry, Maurice Delmer representing Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, and Emelyn Struthers representing State Senator Mark DeSaulnier.
Plaques and legislative certificates were given to Antioch P.D. Officer of the Year Jim Stenger, Pittsburg P.D. Officer of the Year Richard Hosier, CCC Fire Prevention District Firefighter of the Year Brett Schooley and California Highway Patrol Office of the Year Mark Mitchell.
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