Fallen Officer

 Sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring people together and show that we really do love one another.

Its unfortunate that tragedies have to happen.
I always thought Ogden was a great city and was a close city but this really pulled us altogether. 

A few weeks ago 6 officers were entering a home during a routine knock and arrest warrant.  They knocked, said who they were, and when no one answered they entered. The suspect was ready and fired over 100 shots from a machine gun of some sorts, 1 officer died and 5 others were wounded very badly. 

It happened in a quite, nice neighborhood. 

The story struck my city and the whole state hard.  

How could one person be ready to cause so much damage and why?

The city of Ogden and the whole state were taken back. Shocked!

I was so proud of my city and how they handled the situation.

They had a candle light vigil the night after the office died. He left behind a wife and 2 young toddlers.
The city also put together the most amazing funeral and procession I have ever seen, that really the state had ever seen. 

They ended up having the funeral at the Dee Events Center, a large basketball arena, and they had 1000s of police officers from all over the country show up. 

Then the procession started.
It went for miles and miles and ended up taking over 2 hours.
People lined the streets with flags, businesses were shut down and roads were blocked off.
The city feel silent for a couple of hours to pay respect to Office Francom.

Trent and I were so touched and affected by the situation that we wanted to go show our love and support for the police officer who lost his life that day protecting our city.

 Our Stake was told to go down to Washington and 26th street and bring our flags to show our support. I was amazed at how many people showed up. The streets were lined with people and flags, it was so emotional and something I will never forget.  Many peole pulled their children out of school to be apart of the procession, mostly their boys so they could dress in their scout uniform and stand with a salute.

The Fire department rose a flag in the middle of Washington, it was seriously so amazing to see. 

I had no idea that we did this for a fallen officer.

 Trent and I arrived and waited for almost 30 min for the procession to arrive where we were.  It was a beautiful day but very cold! It started off with over 60 officers on their bikes and fell silent except for the sound of their motors. The minute I saw them I started bawling. 

After the officers on bikes, Officer Francom was being carried in by a firetruck.  I have never seen so many police officers cry and be together at one time. The procession went for over 1 1/2 hrs and the police cars just kept coming. It was so interesting to see all the cities names on them.  Every city in Utah had police cars there and some more than one. There were quite a few from out of state.  

They really are a brotherhood and I loved seeing it. 

 They all just kept waving and saying Thank You. I tear up even thinking about it. 

 My sister took this photo.

On the news they were saying how they had never seen a firetruck used as the hearse. Not even for a fallen fireman. It clearly was a site to see.

I was shocked at how much they did for this officer but I was so grateful to show our love and support to him. It made me so grateful for all I have and for the city I live in. I love Ogden and I love the community

This last picture will give you an idea of how long the procession really was. It really only shows you how many officers were on the bikes, but there were 1000s more in cars behind the firetruck. 

Something I will never forget.
I went to school with the shooters sister, school with one of the officers, and my friend is the wife of one of the critically wounded officers, whom may never be the same. 
I am so grateful to those that are willing to risk their lives daily to keep our cities and countries safe.
Having been in a situation where police officers saved my life and the life of my friends I really am truly grateful for them!
And I will never forget this day.