Third annual mass was held in the city's Central Ward Thursday.
NEWARK -- Hundreds of uniformed first responders, their friends, and family members crowded into a city church Thursday night for a spiritual 'thank you.'
Newark hosted its third annual Novena Mass for First Responders at St. Lucy's Church, honoring police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians from the city and Essex County. Police Chief Anthony Campos and Fire Director James Stewart were among the officials that thanked the officers during the mass.
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In addition to the Newark departments, the event also honored members of the Essex County Sheriff's Office, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, and the Essex County Department of Corrections.
A spokesman for the police department did not respond to a request for comment on the annual event.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.