NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Fallen Ogden police officer Jared Francom is receiving a special honor in Washington D.C., and fellow police officers from around the state are trying to raise money for his family to experience the honor in person.
Francom was the 134th officer to be killed in the line of duty in Utah after he was shot and killed while serving a search warrant with 5 other officers last January. Now his name is being placed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial, honoring police who died in the line of duty.
Police putting the fundraiser together are trying to get as many people as they can out to the Bountiful Regional Center Friday night. They said the more the people that come, the easier it’s going to be for the Francom's to experience the latest honor for his sacrifice.
Just over one year ago thousands gathered in Ogden to honor the life of fallen officer Jared Francom.
"He gave his life for this community and for that we're all appreciative," said one person in attendance.
Last month the Ogden community named their Public Safety Building after him, now Agent Francom is receiving a new honor. His name is being added to the “Officer Down Memorial” in Washington D.C. Lt. Dave Edwards with the Fraternal Order of Police wants to help the Francom family see it in person.
"We want to be able to have not only the Francom's immediate family but his extended family to have that opportunity to go back," said Lt. Dave Edwards, Davis Co. Fraternal Order of Police.
So Friday night Edwards is organizing a fundraiser to help them get there. He's inviting everyone to the Bountiful Regional Center to for a special ceremony honoring Utah heroes like Jared Francom, and to see a special screening of the film “Heroes Behind the Badge.”
Edwards is hoping people will come watch the film as a way to give back to the Francom family.
"Anytime one of the officers gets hurt, whether its in San Juan County of Cache County it hurts us all," Edwards said.
If you would like to help send the Francom family to Washington D.C. the fundraiser is Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Bountiful Regional Center located at 835 N. 400 E. in North Salt Lake. Tickets are $15, they're available on SmithTix.com or at the door.
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Follow Brian Carlson on Twitter: @tv_briancarlson
