Sheriff's Office thanks Father James B. Hay School

ALAMOGORDO — As a thank you gift for helping with the Blue Mass, students at Father James B. Hay Catholic School were visited by the Otero County Sheriff's Office Tuesday.

During the Blue Mass, a group of Father James B. Hay Catholic School students sang in the choir, another group participated as altar servers and the remainder of students attended the mass.

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"This is just our way to give back," said OCSO Community Service Officer Charles Gonzales. "Sheriff Benny House was very touched by the kids' participation in the Blue Mass. He had another engagement but he sent us in his place."

As part of Tuesday's event, students listened to a presentation from OCSO Undersheriff Lily Schnell and learned about the SWAT vehicle from OCSO deputy Patrick O'Brien.

"As a former teacher, kids have always had that special place in my heart," Schnell said. "I think we need to start with them and teach them that law enforcement is really there for them, our job is to serve the public. I don't want them growing up being afraid of us."

Schnell talked to students about her time with the FBI and being a negotiator in many kidnapping cases, where she said she learned her voice was her most valuable tool.

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"This gave our students a chance to see law enforcement as a friend," said Principal Kathie Ziegler. "It also gave them an opportunity to learn about the FBI, which many of them were interested in learning about."

Ziegler said she was approached by the Knights of Columbus to participate in the Blue Mass and that it was the best thing the students have done.

"The students needed to see that there is a sacrifice for what our law enforcement does for us," Ziegler said. "We didn't know we were singing the national anthem until we got there and it was one of those moments you get goose-bumps because there were the officers and their families. They're still talking about it. All around, it was just a good experience for our students."

If the Blue Mass becomes an annual tradition, Ziegler said she hopes Father James B. Hay Catholic School students can stay involved.

"I think law enforcement is here to protect us and to be our friends, when you're a kid," Ziegler said. "They're one of the cornerstones in any community so any chance we can get to support them is wonderful."