Just returned from the memorial service for Monsignor John Sammon held at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove midday today. Msgr. Sammon passed away last Friday at age 90 (see here). He served the Orange County Diocese (Catholic Church) for decades and was best known as the Chaplain for public safety services, especially Firefighters. He is credited with conceiving and spearheading the OC Firefighter memorial in Santa Ana, an impressive monument to all fire service organizations in the county.
This memorial service was an ecumenical public sendoff from law enforcement and what Monsignor coined as the "Fire Family." Dozens and dozens of uniformed police and fire personnel were on hand to hear several eulogies, see a brief video, and pay tribute to a true friend of the men and women who strive to keep us safe.
The Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller Sr. graciously hosted and kicked off the service. (It is a point of personal pride that the world-famous Cathedral is in my hometown of Garden Grove and has become a de facto countywide community church. Dr. Schuller and his congregation have generously made the church available over the years for all of us to come together for funerals and celebrations.)
Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief Chip Prather then took over as MC. Chief Prather did a great job presiding, exhibiting a delicate balance of poignancy and humor. But it was obvious near the end that Prather did not take the occasion too lightly, as he was nearly overcome with emotion before bringing the service to a close.
In the meantime a crowd of hundreds heard tributes from Sheriff Mike Carona, OCFA Chaplain Warren Johnson and Msgr Sammon's grand-nephew Mike Tooley, himself an OC Firefighter.
Following the "Fire Family" tradition of ringing a fire bell as requiem, Monsignor's good nature infected everyone as the crowd exited the church, sharing stories and laughs in the large courtyard. Fire trucks were lined up along the driveways of the Cathedral and dozens of cadets handed out cups of chocolate and strawberry ice cream, a famous favorite of Monsignor. Flower arrangements and stuffed Snoopy dolls (he was a huge fan of the "Peanuts" comics) were everywhere.
The words that remain with me were from Bishop Tod Brown who described Msgr Sammon as "Iconic" and said his "heart was larger than this Cathedral."
For those who missed the service today, there is a viewing this evening (Thursday, Nov. 20) at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange and funeral Mass tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 1st) at 10 a.m., also at Holy Family.
R.I.P. Monsignor John Francis Sammon. Thank you for your tireless and selfless service, your friendship, your counsel, and your wit. God bless you.