It was a night of remembrance in Hancock County as the lives of fallen local law enforcement officers were honored. In recognition of National Police Week, the Fort Findlay FOP hosted the Hancock County Law Enforcement Memorial Service, paying tribute to the lives of 10 officers lost while protecting the community.
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BLUFFTON, OH (WLIO) - A local fallen police officer was included in a national project to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Village of Bluffton found a way to always remember the officers that lost their lives serving and protecting their community. Saturday morning, the police department unveiled the new Fallen Officers Memorial in front of the town hall.
Tonight's soccer game between the Bluffton and Van Buren High School boys soccer teams honored fallen Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis. Before the game, a special ceremony and coin toss was held to remember the life of Officer Francis.
The sheriff says that this type of commitment from Francis is a shining example of what the badge shows, and how others should follow his example. His actions show how much change that one single dedicated officer can bring to an entire community. Treglia says seeing the impact that Officer Francis has left is apparent when you walk the streets of Bluffton and interact with its citizens.
A prayer vigil was held in downtown Bluffton Friday night for Dominic Francis. The 42-year-old Bluffton Police Officer was remembered for not only his service to the department, but as a man that stepped up to help in any way he could, including helping coach football and wrestling at his alma mater, Cory-Rawson, or be a substitute teacher at the school during the pandemic.
Part of the chase happened southbound along I-75 in Hancock County. Bluffton police officer 42-year-old Dominic Francis was struck by the suspects when he was deploying stop sticks on the interstate to disable their vehicle. The case is still under investigation, and the suspects could be facing additional charges.
A fallen officer from the Bluffton Police Officer went beyond the badge in order to help his local community. In the morning hours of March 31st, Officer Dominic Francis, 42-years-old, was struck and killed by a vehicle during a pursuit.
A press conference was held at the Hancock County Sheriff's office, where officials sharing how much an Officer meant to the community. Officer Dominic Francis was killed after a vehicle struck him on I-75 near exit 142 during a pursuit through multiple counties.
The chase started around 2 a.m. Thursday morning near Medina, Ohio when the car was spotted going over 100 miles per hour. Troopers say they spotted the suspects with speeds hitting 130 miles per hour. One of the suspects ran off after Officer Francis was hit and was caught near State Route 29 after stealing a Prius. A second was nabbed near Elyria.