They may have been praying in church, but the Atlantic Highlands Police officers never quit in their vigil to ensure protection. They are always on the job.
It was close to the end of the 20th annual Blue Mass before 9 p.m. Wednesday evening. The event is sponsored annually the OLPH-St Agnes Church and the Knights of Columbus to honor police, fire and EMTS from the Bayshore and the National Recreation Area and Coast Guard installation at St. Agnes Church.
All of a sudden, the approximate 200 people in attendance along with the close to 200 volunteers being honored saw three officers suddenly leave their seats at the front of church and move quickly to the exit. Shortly after, churchgoers could hear a siren and see several other local first aid members also leave the church before the program ended.
“There was a medical emergency …and the officers all responded to where a male and female both needed medical attention,” said Police Chief Scott Reinert, who was also present at the Blue Mass. “ Everyone is ok thanks to their quick response along with EMS. “
The officers who were the first to respond to the emergency call were Sgt. Travis Sodon, and patrolmen Joseph LaBella, and Sean McDonald.
