Photo-story: Community praises fallen Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis
The events of March 31–including the pursuit and arrest of three suspects who drove across Ohio at speeds up to 140 miles per hour and who struck and killed Bluffton Police officer Dominic Francis–have gripped the greater Bluffton area.
They have also attracted attention across Ohio, the midwest, and the nation, bringing messages of condolence and support from near and far, including from Mayor of Bluffton Richard Johnson:
“The people of the Bluffton community and surrounding areas are experiencing a tragedy that we many times thought, and hoped, we would not have to face.
Most, if not all of you, in the village, as well as from many miles surrounding our community, have already heard of the news of the death of one of our police officers, Dominic Francis. Our hearts are heavy. In the years I have been Mayor, I have had the privilege of getting to know Officer Francis on a professional basis, as well as getting to know the personal side of him.
Officer Francis was a very dedicated and devoted officer. He was respected by his fellow police officers and always performed his duties above and beyond the call of duty.
Personally, Officer Francis was a kind, fun and hardworking young man. The Village of Bluffton has lost a fine and outstanding police officer, and on behalf of the Village Council and myself, I want to express our deepest sympathy to his wife, children and all of his family.
With a heavy heart,
Mayor Richard Johnson
At a press conference held on Thursday, Bluffton Chief of Police Ryan Burkholder described how Francis had served Bluffton as a full-time police officer for nine years, was a firefighter and had also worked for the Cory-Rawson School District where he taught, drove buses and coached sports: “This community lost a hero. He was an outstanding police officer….He had a heart of gold.”
Governor DeWine ordered that flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Allen and Hancock counties, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the day of Francis’s funeral.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Pirate baseball win vs. Tigers
- Bluffton softball edged in battle of Pirates
- Committee meetings scheduled for Bluffton Council
- #1 recommended attraction in NW Ohio is in Ada
- Mental Health Awareness event with Seth Gehle
- Ohio highway patrol promoting motorcycle safety
- Recap of Bluffton Board of Education meeting for April 2025
- Weekend Doctor: Antidepressants in the long term
Friday, May 2, 2025
- BHS seniors exhibit art at Gallery 323 through May 7
- What's in your weekend?
- Pirate softball blanked by Lancers
- Pirate baseball blanked by Lincolnview
- Laman Promoted to VP Retail Credit Manager by CNB
- Local land conservancy hires first Executive Director
- Steiner to present Swiss Family Migration program on May 21
- 850 Days of Caring volunteers will pitch in for Hancock County
Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Angel M. Langhals owned LFE/API Meters
- Allen Co. task force targets target sex and human traffickers
- Blessing of the Bikes, May 4
- Metzger honored at 2025 Black Swamp Council meeting
- Volunteer invitation for Bluffton Pathway Count in May
- Pirate tennis edges Ottawa-Glandorf
- Bluffton EMS station staffing goes 24/7 on May 1
- You are what you eat: Link to immune system
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Observation deck added to Motter Park cascading pools project
- Bluffton Women in Business meet May 15
- Four sportsmen stock 200 trout at Buckeye Lake
- Pirate girls, boys 2nd at Minster track quad
- Pirate baseball win vs. Riverdale
- Pirate softball loss vs. Riverdale
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers