U.S. Sen. Susan Collins joined law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency responders Sunday morning at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for Maine’s annual Blue Mass, continuing a years-long tradition of recognizing the men and women who routinely run toward danger when others are trying to escape it.
Collins was the only Maine state or federal elected official in attendance.
The Sept. 20 Mass was celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri and honored active and retired local, state and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel for their service and sacrifice.
The Diocese of Portland describes the annual Blue Mass as an opportunity to recognize public safety personnel for their “faithful commitment and self-sacrifice.” The Lewiston service was one of two Blue Masses scheduled in Maine this year.
“When crises or disasters strike, it is our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs who are the first to arrive, fearlessly rushing into danger to save lives,” Collins said. “The annual Blue Mass serves as a special occasion dedicated to honoring these heroes who courageously put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.”
“Thank you to Bishop James Ruggieri for celebrating the Mass with those gathered today,” Collins continued. “And to all the first responders throughout our state, thank you for committing your lives to ensuring the safety of others. It is a debt we can truly never repay.”
The Blue Mass takes its name from the blue uniforms traditionally worn by police and other public safety personnel and dates to 1934. The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks provided the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to establish the tradition in Maine.
For Collins, Sunday’s appearance comes against the backdrop of nearly three decades in the U.S. Senate and a lengthy record involving legislation and federal funding for police, firefighters and first responders.
Earlier this year, Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced more than $14.5 million in congressionally directed spending for Maine law-enforcement and public-safety projects, including funding for police departments, sheriff’s offices and public-safety agencies around the state.
That package included $2.17 million for the Lewiston Police Department for protective gear and public-safety equipment.
Collins’ relationship with national law-enforcement organizations also extends beyond federal funding.
In February 2025, the Fraternal Order of Police presented Collins with its National President’s Legislative Advocacy Award for her more than two decades of work to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset through the Social Security Fairness Act.
It was the first time the national FOP had presented its Legislative Advocacy Award.
The FOP, which represents more than 377,000 members nationally, credited Collins with helping secure retirement benefits for police officers, firefighters and other public employees whose Social Security benefits had previously been reduced.
“Senator Collins, you have been the lead Republican in the Senate on this bill for more than 20 years and we are so very grateful for your leadership and support,” FOP National President Patrick Yoes said when presenting the award.
Collins’ 2026 reelection campaign has also established a “Law Enforcement / First Responders for Susan Collins” coalition as part of its statewide campaign organization.
The New England Police Benevolent Association, which represents more than 5,000 law-enforcement professionals across New England, released its first round of 2026 endorsements in June but did not announce a Maine U.S. Senate endorsement. The organization said additional endorsements in Maine and other New England states would be announced as the election cycle progressed.
Collins has nevertheless received significant recognition from law-enforcement groups for her legislative work.
Her efforts on the Social Security Fairness Act are among several initiatives affecting police and first responders during her Senate career.
Collins has also backed federal Community Oriented Policing Services funding, legislation protecting retirement benefits for first responders injured in the line of duty and federal measures aimed at protecting police officers from targeted attacks.
Just days before Sunday’s Blue Mass, Collins announced $600,000 in federal funding for Maine emergency medical services, including $300,000 for Lewiston-based United Ambulance Service. The funding came through a rural EMS grant program Collins helped reauthorize in 2024.
On Sept. 11, Collins also participated in a ceremony at the Maine Firefighters Memorial in Augusta commemorating the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks and honoring first responders.
Sunday’s Blue Mass, however, was centered not on legislation or campaigns, but on the men and women behind the badges, fire helmets and ambulances.
Uniformed members of Maine’s public-safety community gathered inside one of Lewiston’s most recognizable landmarks to honor colleagues, remember those lost in service and recognize the risks shouldered each day by first responders across the state.