Fr. Ross Syracuse, OFM Conv. in his chaplain uniform.

Monday, May 11, 2015: Fr. Ross Syracuse, OFM Conv., was chosen to offer the homily at the Buffalo Police Department’s Memorial Service, held at St. Joseph Cathedral. The annual event, held in conjunction with National Police Week, commemorates those officers in the WNY area who died in the line of duty. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop emeritus of Buffalo, presided. He and Father Peter Drilling, the cathedral rector, represented the Diocese of Buffalo. Local, county, state and federal law enforcement officials, as well as police officers from Canada were represented. Chaplains of the Buffalo Police Department hosted the event and area police department chaplains also took part. As the names of the fallen officers were read, each agency presented a large version of its shield or coat of arms.
Friar Ross is not only a police chaplain, he is the guardian of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Friary and the Fr. Justin Senior Friar Residence, as well as the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church. He is a musician and a pilot, with a great affection for and appreciation of creation, especially animals. He feels we are all called in a special way to care for creation and the environment in the spirit and example of St. Francis of Assisi.