Jared Francom, a 30-year-old police officer, was shot and
killed in a horrific gunfight on January 4, 2012, while trying to serve a drug
related warrant on a suspect in Ogden, UT. Five other officers were shot and
wounded during the raid, and remain in the hospital. The funeral was held today, January 11.
Following the funeral (held at Dee Events Center at Weber
State College), Officer Francom’s flag-draped casket was placed atop a fire engine
and driven to the cemetery, escorted by officers on motorcycles and in other vehicles.
Residents of Ogden and neighboring communities came out in
force, along with some 4000 law enforcement officers from all over UT and
from other states, to pay homage to this young man, a husband and the father of
two little girls. The streets were lined with more than 5000 flags along the eight mile funeral route. It was a beautiful day, albeit cold...well below freezing.
We didn't know Officer Francom - had never heard of him until the fateful night of his death. But we felt that he (and others who bravely serve us) deserved our respect and honor, so we went to show our support.
Driving into town, we spotted a bald eagle perched high up in a tree. It seems a fitting symbol of the country and liberty that Officer Francom gave his life to protect.
People waited...
...and watched.
At the cemetery...
...a pipe and drum corps prepared.
And then...
The cars in the funeral procession seemed like they just kept coming and coming and coming...
In the midst of the blur, a heart...the universal symbol of love...the love that these officers, brothers and sisters in arms, have for one another, and for those of us they serve.
When it was all over, only the flags and their reflections remained. 
26 comments:
Powerful.
Do you mind if I share this link on facebook? I have a nephew (in law) and niece who are officers in Utah that this has impacted.
Wow! What a moving post. Great pictures that seemed to carry us there physically, and certainly carried us there emotionally. Thank you for sharing this tribute to a fallen hero.
This was a beautiful post! This officer was a true hero. I am praying for his family. This is so tragic but it shows there are many good people out in the world who came together to honor this fallen hero. Thank you for your post today. Anne
What a wonderful outpouring of honor this was. How fitting for our faithful officers. We have a son and son-in-law that serve their country and communities and this really warms my heart...
May God comfort his family and fellow officers...
Wonderful post and beautiful pictures. You captured and said what I'm sure was in the thoughts and hearts of all of us today. Thank you Anita!
Heroes come from many walks of life, but the men and women who police our communities and fight our fires are truly heroes for every day. How sad for this family, this city - to lose a young man like this is a travesty.
Thanks so much for posting this, I would have only been able to see a little more on the news if not. That's one great thing about living in this state, we all come together and comfort those who need it when it's time. God bless all who serve....
Beautiful pictures, a beautiful parade. Greetings.
Stunning.
Gorgeous photos that touched me deeply.
Thank you for sharing.
Erika
Artful Rising
What a beautiful post and tribute to this hero and all the heroes in the world.
Thank you
Hello.
This is sad indeed. Your photos are a lovely tribute.
Thanks for this moving post. Appreciate the visit too.
Harp Of My Soul
Great post and tribute.
Thanks for sharing & for stopping by - look forward to *seeing* you again soon!
so many H´s and nice pics :)
I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat after reading this very moving post honoring this young officer.
Thank you so much for telling his story.
What a wonderful tribute. Makes me want to cry.
P.S. Blogger is acting up again. I wanted to post on my blog that Locks of Love takes color processed hair, just not bleached hair.~Ames
These photos should be in the newspaper, Anita. What a beautiful photo essay to this officer.
I think you should send the pics to his family so they can keep them always.
=)
PS. I love the way so many came to honor him, you guys included.
What an amazing show of support for his family! You live in a wonderful town.
How terribly sad ! 30 years old, far too young to die !
that was a touching scene. What a crying shame for something like that to happen. Your photos are so nice. Maybe that eagle knew that something important was going on... {:-Deb
So heartbreaking but how wonderful at the support from everyone.
Our area lost another soldier in Afghanistan on Christmas Day..a young husband and father...what a tragic loss.
heartbreaking. a beautiful tribute. thank you.
What a wonderful tribute Anita. Love all of your posts:) I have you in my google reader which doesn't give me the option to comment but today I thought it was worth the extra "click" :)
So sad for the family who lost a loved one at the beginning of the year.
Your photos of this procession are fantastic, and a wonderful heart felt post.
A touching post, certainly. And your photos are excellent as always.
What a powerful and moving tribute. I love your two symbolic photos especially (the eagle and the heart). My heart goes out to his wife and daughters. Officer Francom and those serving like him deserve our deepest respect and appreciation.
What a horrible tragedy...
I think this was a wonderful post Honoring Him and I thank you for sharing this with us...
Great job!!
A+
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