SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY HOLD MEMORIAL MASS FOR OFFICERS

Dec 2000 - The St. Elizabeth student body joined Mayor Giuliani, Police Commissioner Kerik and over 250 members of the NYC Police Force for the Twelfth Anniversary Memorial Mass for Police Officer Michael J. Buczek.

Officer Buczek of the 34th Precinct was shot and killed during a drug raid in Washington Heights in 1988, at the age of 24. He received 40 com-mendations during his career as an officer; and was so beloved, that a foundation, school, park and even a Little League team have been named in his honor.

Sadly, this was the first Mass held since the death of Michael’s mother, Josephine Buczek, earlier this year. His father, Ted and sister, Mary Jo were in attendance. Also remembered were slain officers Anthony Vendetti and Jerry Stymoloski, who had family members represented at the Mass.

Students from P.S. 48, the Police Office Michael J. Buczek School, also attended.

The Mass was celebrated by Pastor Msgr. Gerald Walsh along with other St. Elizabeth Parish priests. Hymns were performed by the Senior Choir and the Handbell Choir, which made its first public appearance at the Mass. At the conclusion, the school children presented memorial plants to the Mayor, to the families of the victims, and to the Principal of P.S. 48.