UPDATED 7:30 a.m. April 9 with additional photos by The Lima News via AP

On the morning of April 8, an estimated 2,000 mourners came to pay their respects to Dominic M. “Dom” Francis, 42, a Bluffton police officer who was killed in the line of duty on March 31. Family, friends, colleagues and Cory-Rawson students gathered at Bluffton University’s Sommer Center to remember and mourn Francis, while the larger community of first responders from Ohio and beyond paid tribute to one who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the public.

Prior to the service, Allen County Sheriff Matthew Treglia held a press conference on questions regarding the day’s events. The investigation of Francis’s death was not addressed. News teams from across the state were present and the service was livestreamed at https://boxcast.tv/channel/jgei2o5q5rjqiprrxqm3.

Francis’s flag-draped coffin was escorted into the arena by police officers to the sound of bagpipes playing “Going Home.” On a stage decorated with a large police badge, wreath and flowers, was a large photo of Francis. All stood for the entrance of the Francis family. The service was led by Eric Ferguson, pastor of the Movement Church in Findlay. The service provided insight into Dominic Francis the peace officer and Dominic Francis the friend and community member.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who presented the officer with a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Top Cop award in 2019, called Francis’s life as a letter left behind for others to read. Yost said that while Francis died putting himself in harm’s way to protect others, he was “already a hero” before that, because of his commitment to community service.

Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder took the podium to describe Francis as someone who loved his job and who would tackle any task. He called Francis driven, loyal, trustworthy and compassionate. Burkholder revealed Francis as a Jack of all trades and a fixer who was “always willing to get his hands dirty.” The chief of police then presented the posthumously awarded Medal of Honor and Purple Heart to Francis’s wife Ricki.

Hancock County Communications Officer Amanda Miller spoke about Francis as someone she grew up with, having met him at age 16 when they both were part of the Hancock County Sheriff Explorers post. Miller described Francis’s sarcastic sense of humor and how they enjoyed working the county fair together, assisting with everything from car lock-outs to herding livestock. In an emotion-filled moment, she recounted how, over the years, they would always check in with each other, providing the support that is so essential in police work.

Pastor Ferguson described Francis as someone who would do “whatever was needed.” He noted that this applied to working as a police officer, and in the many other roles in which Francis served, including as a substitute teacher, coach and fire fighter. Having recently spoken to many who knew Francis, the pastor said the most common sentiment was that Francis was a “brother from another mother.” Ferguson concluded that “love is the reason we are here today” and that “few of us will live out love in such a significant way” as Francis did. To those present, he urged, “Don’t run away from God’s love” as they struggle with the loss of Francis.

Following the service, dozens of police, Ohio state highway patrol, fire, EMS, and other first responder vehicles, as well as a Cory-Rawson Schools bus departed in a procession to Clymer Cemetery in Mt. Cory. The route was lined with people paying their respects and two ladder trucks created an arch with a large American flag in front of the Bluffton Fire Department on Main St.