BLUFFTON, Ohio — The Northwest Ohio community paid their respects to fallen Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis on Friday.
Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder paid tribute to Francis with a few statements at the funeral, which was held at Bluffton University Sommer Center.
“Dominic was a husband, father, son, brother, co-worker and friend," Chief Burkholder said. "He carried the weight of the badge to the fullest extent. He loved his job."
Chief Burkholder then presented the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart -- the highest honor receivable -- which was awarded to Francis for his service.
You can watch a video recap of Friday's funeral below:
Officer Francis died in the line of duty on March 31 when he was struck by a suspect’s vehicle while attempting to deploy stop sticks amid a pursuit along I-75 in Northwest Ohio.
Following the funeral, a procession with law enforcement officers and first responders will depart for Clymer Cemetery in Mt. Cory.
“All are welcome to pay their respects along the route, with the procession to begin at approximately 12:30 p.m.,” officials said.
Route of the funeral procession:
- Vehicles will turn right out of the Sommer Center parking lot onto Elm Street and then left on Main Street/County Road 313 in Bluffton to Cory-Rawson School.
- The procession will then make a loop through the bus entrance and parking lot and will proceed back to County Road 313.
- The route will turn right on State Route 235 and through the Village of Mt. Cory with the procession continuing north to Township Road 37 and to Clymer Cemetery for the private burial.
Watch full coverage of the funeral below:
Three people were arrested after the pursuit.
TIMELINE OF WHAT HAPPENED ON MARCH 31
- Around 2 a.m. Troopers with the Marion post observed a black Infinity traveling at a high rate of speed -- in excess of 100 mph -- on U.S. Route 23, but were unable to make contact with the vehicle.
- Around 2:20 a.m. A Findlay trooper identified the vehicle and began the pursuit in Hancock County on Route 15. It then traveled to I-75 South.
- Approximately at 2:30 a.m. The officer was struck by the vehicle along I-75. Three suspects exited the vehicle and fled eastbound on foot.
- Around 3 a.m. A Toyota Prius was allegedly stolen from a residence on County Road 29. Authorities began searching for the vehicle. One of the suspects was later located in the area.
- Unspecified time later: A trooper with the Medina post spotted the vehicle on I-71 near milepost 208. A pursuit ensued and the vehicle / suspect were ultimately stopped at Route 57 and Chestnut Ridge Road in Elyria. 3News had a crew at the scene where the chase ended around 9 a.m. This is also where the second suspect was arrested. Dashcam video shows moments of the pursuit.
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous story on March 31, 2022.