The Bluffton Area Ministerial Association in collaboration with the Bluffton University Peace Club and local churches will host a Community Prayer Vigil in memory and honor of Officer Dominic Francis for his unparalleled commitment and exceptional service to the Village of Bluffton and the Cory-Rawson School District.

The prayer vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1 on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs. 

Organizers note the event is “in Support of our Bluffton Police Department, all local first responders, and the family and friends of Officer Francis.

The university made this statement:

The Bluffton Police Department supports the Bluffton University campus community in a variety of ways, including covering special events, athletic competitions and serving as the first responders for any campus emergency. In fact, Officer Francis responded to a fire alarm in one of our residence halls just hours before he was killed. Students shared that after the building was cleared, he held the door for each student so they could return safely inside. He was known as a kind and caring officer amongst our students, and he greatly impacted their lives. Our students, faculty and staff mourn his loss and will miss seeing him on campus.