Dressed in black hats with pearly white plumes and black capes, members of the Knights of Columbus held flags and led a processional down the aisle of the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

During this Sunday morning Blue Mass honoring public-safety professionals, uniformed leaders of local law enforcement followed the Knights and carried flags specific to their agencies.

Then, the Most Rev. John Ricard, bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, walked down the aisle and swung the censer to pay reverence to God.

"We've gathered on this Trinity Sunday to honor those who serve us, sacrifice and secure our environment," he told about 500 people at the Catholic church on West Tennessee Street. "They allow us to sleep comfortably in our rooms and keep our streets safe so we can carry out our daily activities free from chaos.

"We also pray for those who've fallen this year and years past or who have suffered injuries or disabilities in the line of duty," he continued. "We are profoundly grateful to you and your families."

During the service, Tallahassee Mayor John Marks read from scripture. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, Tallahassee Police Chief Walt McNeil, interim Fire Chief Steve Anderson and Col. Christopher Knight of the Florida Highway Patrol made brief presentations honoring members of law enforcement - both past and present. Members of Leon County Emergency Medical Services also attended.

The 2005 Inter-Faith Award in Honor of the Valiant Servant was presented to Lt. Tim Coughlin of the Leon County Sheriff's Office for his 30 years at the Sheriff's Office and contributions to the community, including work with the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics and Knights of Columbus.

After the ceremony, Coughlin - supervisor of the warrants unit - said the service is a great way to recognize public-safety officers.

The annual Blue Mass, though in only its fifth year in Tallahassee, began in the northeastern states in the 1930s, said Jim Geuin, District Deputy of the Knights in the Big Bend area. The term "Blue Mass" comes from the color of the uniforms of the early firefighters and police officers. The Knights is a Catholic men's fraternal-benefit society that performs charitable and social works.

Lt. John Bagnardi of the Highway Patrol said he enjoyed meeting with other members of law enforcement for a happy, rather than negative, occasion.

After the ceremony, law-enforcement officials displayed their fire trucks, armored tanks and other vehicles.

Capt. Chris Connell, head of homeland security at the Police Department, agreed with Coughlin.

"It's nice for us to interact and see each other on a positive level," Connell said. "It's like mutual appreciation. The more I'm in law enforcement, the more I realize that's what we're more about - interacting with the community, not just chasing the bad guys."

Helen Savino, a member of the co-cathedral, said she's from Massachusetts and had attended Blue Mass ceremonies since the 1970s in that state. She lived in Tallahassee for 10 years before being able to attend one in this city, she said.

"All of the officers, firemen and civil servants have done so much for our community that we should come out and honor them," she said.