The annual archdiocesan Public Safety Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated Sept. 24 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Cardinal Roger Mahony, who in 1987 celebrated the inaugural liturgy (celebrated at the Los Angeles Police Academy's "Rock Garden"), will preside at the 10 a.m. liturgy that honors all public safety personnel, including law enforcement, fire department and emergency workers.

Father Michael McCullough, LAPD and FBI chaplain, said safety personnel are invited to wear their uniforms and bring their badges for a special blessing by the cardinal. Bagpipers and drums of the LAPD Emerald society Pipe Band will lead the gathering procession and recessional.

"Our public safety officers --- police, firefighters and emergency room personnel --- are always heroes, and rightly so," said Father McCullough. "But law enforcement at federal, state and local levels often take a beating in the secular media."

The reality, he said, is that in 2006 there have been more than 450 aggravated assaults on LAPD officers alone, with either a firearm or other weapon. The Public Safety Liturgy, he added, is an opportunity to honor those who risk their own lives to keep millions in the greater Los Angeles community safe.

The Mass is sponsored by the Desert Refuge for Peace Officers, of which Father McCullough is executive director. For information on the refuge or the liturgy, contact Father McCullough, (213) 298-7174.