Hundreds of people showed up to the Ogden auditorium Thursday night to pay their respect to the life that was lost, send hope to those who are still fighting, and recognize all the men and women who serve and protect.Through the tears, the Francom family tries to remember the good times. “My brother was very good at what he did… although sometimes clumsy, he was very good at what he did” said brother, Travis Francom.
Travis called his brother an “adrenaline junkie” who had a hard time staying on his feet.
“Falling down on ice, falling down just running, on bare asphalt, I don’t know, he just did that,” he said.
But that didn’t stop Jared Francom from becoming a great officer, with an even greater heart.
“He truly had a love that you don’t see in a lot of people” Travis said.
That love was reciprocated by his community Thursday night. Mayor mike Caldwell was in disbelief.
“I’m humbled and amazed by it,” Caldwell said.
Not only were Jared and the other injured officers recognized during the ceremony, the other men and women who serve the city of Ogden every day got a standing ovation. It meant a lot to officers like sergeant Danny Driggs.
“So often in our job we see the negative part of society. It’s a refreshing feeling to feel that support for Jared and the others and law enforcement in general,” Driggs said.
He also said this tragedy is a clear reminder for officers to not become complacent or take things for granted. And Driggs is pretty sure his daughter, Haley won’t let him.
“She gives me a hug test for my vest and I can’t get away with it. (She says) dad, you don’t have your vest on, and I say I’m in a hurry; I’ll put it on at work. The hug test, I can’t get away with it anymore though, huh Haley?”
