Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and lifeguards of Rumson and the surrounding area gathered May 10 in Holy Cross Church, Rumson, for Ascension Thursday Mass, during which students and faculty of Holy Cross School honored the community heroes.
Father Michael Manning, Holy Cross Parish pastor, gave the emergency personnel a special blessing, followed by a rousing round of applause from the congregation. Members of the Rumson Police Department in attendance stayed to assist in the surprise that followed.
In keeping with the community heroes theme, the PTA had been planning a secret mission for weeks. After Mass, and after the fog cleared, the students gathered in the parking lot. A noise came from above, and they looked up to see a helicopter fly over. Minutes later, the helicopter turned and landed on the field outside the church, as students shouted and cheered.
New Jersey State Troopers Andrew Stephanic and John Street stepped out, greeted the group, and gave an engaging talk about their career paths and their work as helicopter pilots. Third, fourth and fifth graders were invited to walk around the helicopter, look inside and ask questions.
After an hour, the pilots finished the exciting day by preparing the helicopter and flying away as students and teachers waved goodbye.