UPDATED 1:10 p.m.

The impact made by Officer Dominic Francis of the Bluffton Police Department, who was also a teacher and coach, is being shown in Bluffton, the Cory-Rawson school district and Findlay. An April 1 prayer vigil and vehicle procession were held in downtown Bluffton drawing an estimated 300 participants. 

The funeral for Officer Francis, who was killed in the line of duty on March 31, will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday April 8 at the Sommer Center on the campus of Bluffton University. The Bluffton Schools and Village of Bluffton offices will close for Francis’ funeral.

The police department has also shared recommended ways to support Officer Francis' family. Monetary donations can be made to the Fort Findlay FOP Lodge. The Ohio Going Blue Facebook page is selling shirts in honor of Officer Francis, as is Cory-Rawson schools. Funds raised by these two organizations will go directly to the family. The police department noted that at this time, these are the only approved avenues for donations and that individuals should be wary of scams.

Members of the Bluffton Police Department were part of the April 1 Prayer Vigil on the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn coordinated by the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association and the Bluffton University Peace Club. The university has reported that shortly before his death, Officer Francis responded to a fire alarm at a residence hall, welcoming students back into the building when it was safe to do so.

Also on Friday, some 160 vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, a Cory-Rawson school bus, pickup trucks and passenger vehicles processed down Main Street past the Bluffton Town Hall memorial display for Officer Dominic Francis. Sirens rang out and lights flashed; horns honked and engines rumbled.

Throughout the village blue ribbons and lights have been placed in tribute to Officer Francis.