Firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel gathered Sunday for the Diocese of Bridgeport?s 6th annual Blue Mass to remember first responders who died on Sept. 11.

First responders at the service, which was held at St. Mary?s in Norwalk, say they share a special bond in the wake of the terrorist attacks. They also say time won?t lessen the pain of memories of those who died.

?I've made every one of these blue masses and it's a time to reflect on those officers and firemen and EMS personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during that terrible time in our country,? says Captain Robert Comers of the Fairfield police.

Awards were given out to Westport firefighter Jeffery Thompson, Fairfield police officer James Pauciello and Darien EMT Charles Hannon for their service.