Police officers and firefighters from Brentwood and several other municipalities were recognized at the Feast of the Archangels, a noon Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on Sept. 30.

The service celebrates the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Saint Michael is the patron saint of police officers and others who keep us safe, according to a church press release. First responders from Brentwood, Richmond Heights and Glendale were among those who attended.

Students from St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School distributed handmade thank you notes as the first responders entered the church. During the Mass, Father Jack Siefert, the church’s pastor, blessed Saint Michael medals and offered a special blessing for all first responders in attendance. They received a large round of applause from the rest of the crowd.

Afterward there was a gathering in the portico for all in attendance. The students handed each police officer, firefighter, and paramedic/EMT a Saint Michael medal as a reminder that they are protected by their archangel.