Toledo Firefighters' Mass 9-11-11

The annual firefighters Mass at the Historic Church of St. Patrick took on add poignancy as it was held on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDESHOW.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo People pour out of the church after the Firefighters Mass at Historic Church of St. Patrick for firefighters and their ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Toledo Fire Department Battalion Chief Gerald Takats, left, and retired Toledo Chief Michael Wolever greet one another outside the church ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Retired Toledo Chief Michael Wolever wears a black ribbon over his badge during the Firefighter Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A fountain sculpted as a firefighter stands in front of the church while the Rev. Dennis Hartigan, back, welcomes congregants ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Wayne Hartford, president of Toledo Firefighters Local 92, stands next to a picture memorial for the New York Fire Fighters ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Toledo Fire Department Honor Guard, front, salutes the flag during the presentation of the colors during the Firefighter Mass.... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Members of Toledo Fire and Rescue make the presentation of the gifts during the Firefighter Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sylvania Township Fire Chief Jeff Kowalski salutes during the Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mayor Mike Bell, former City of Toledo fire chief and former state fire marshal, looks on solemnly during the Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Maggie Viertlbeck, right, prays while she holds her son Max Viertlbeck during the Mass. They are the family of Fire ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Sarah Mercurio, wife of Toledo Firefighter Jason Mercurio, from Station 16 prays during Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Mercurio family participates in the Mass. From left: Jacob, who is partially obscured; Sarah, Isaiah, Isabella, and Toledo Firefighter ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Children approach the altar to place to put white roses in a vase next to a fire helmet during the Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Toledo Fire Lt. Robert Wiciak, left, offers his hand in peace during the Mass to Lt. Craig Ellis. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Toledo Fire and Rescue member Anthony Santiago holds his daughter Kathryn Santiago, while the names of the fallen are read. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, bishop of Toledo, blesses helmets and artifacts from 9/11 during the Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, bishop of Toledo, leads the procession out of the church at the conclusion of the Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Bishop of Toledo, left, prays over Mayor Mike Bell, as he leads the procession ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Bishop of Toledo, greets firefighters as they leave the church after the Firefighter Mass. THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Toledo Fire Chief Luis Santiago, left, and The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, bishop of Toledo, right, speak outside of ... THE BLADE/AMY E. VOIGT