Tears and tributes mark services for fallen Ogden officer

OGDEN — Thousands packed the Ogden City Cemetery on a frigid January afternoon beneath blue skies, trembling in the cold, fighting back tears and holding onto faith as they bade farewell to a fallen Ogden police officer.

Jared Francom's final resting place at the cemetery had been cleared away of snow for the family, friends and fellow officers who showed up to pay tribute. The tree-lined avenues in the city's oldest cemetery were also lined with hundreds of American flags placed by volunteers the evening before.

Hours before the graveside services were even set to begin, members of the Washington Terrace 8th LDS Ward were along either side of Monroe Boulevard on the eastern side of the cemetery, hunkering down for a long wait with their U.S. flags along the procession's route.

Kent Draper said close to 60 people from the ward had turned out to line the route, taking time off jobs, from school or any other activity that may have otherwise occupied their day.

"It is the least we could do, to be able to come out and pay respect and show remorse for him, for the family," he said. "I could be skiing, but I would rather be doing this. It's an honor."

That same sentiment was expressed by Weber County sheriff's corrections officer Dan Halacy, a long-time trumpet player who played taps at the graveside service.

"For me this is the greatest honor to be given to try to honor an officer fallen in the line of duty," Halacy said, hours before his performance was to begin.

For a time, he stood silent and alone near the hillside where he would play, reflecting.

"It is sad to have to do these things," he said. "But I want to do my best to honor those who can stand and deliver when it is needed most."

Halacy, who has performed at police officers' services before, says he makes it a practice to refrain from attending the funeral. If he does, it becomes too personal, too hard and it won't do anyone any good if he can't perform.

"It is a highly emotional state," he said. "If I have a big egg in my throat, they won't get the performance they deserve."

Along with Halacy, Kris Neville from Hooper spent long hours waiting in the cold for the graveside service to begin.

With her, she had two wicker-style baskets of white homing pigeons, or rock doves, that were later released during the graveside services.