Effective, March 31, 2022, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is adjusting its visitation guidelines, based on the observed reduction of COVID-19 cases in the community, which will lessen the restrictions on visitors coming into the organization.
A cruiser decorated with black crepe, memorial flowers, and blue ribbons at Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St. On the somber, cold evening of March 31, the spouses of Findlay police officers tied blue bows on poles and benches throughout the downtown area. PHOTOS by Jamie Nygaard.
The following article from January 2019 was published on the occasion of Dominic Francis being named 2018 Officer of the Year by the Bluffton Police Department. We are repeating it on the occasion of his death in the line of duty on March 31, 2022.
“This officer makes work enjoyable.” That's how Bluffton police chief, Ryan Burkholder describes Dominic Francis.
Bluffton police selected Francis as their “officer of the year,” for 2018, according to Burkholder.
The events of March 31–including the pursuit and arrest of three suspects who drove across Ohio at speeds up to 140 miles per hour and who struck and killed Bluffton Police officer Dominic Francis–have gripped the greater Bluffton area.
They have also attracted attention across Ohio, the midwest, and the nation, bringing messages of condolence and support from near and far, including from Mayor of Bluffton Richard Johnson:
The Bluffton Area Ministerial Association in collaboration with the Bluffton University Peace Club and local churches will host a Community Prayer Vigil in memory and honor of Officer Dominic Francis for his unparalleled commitment and exceptional service to the Village of Bluffton and the Cory-Rawson School District.
The prayer vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1 on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs.
In honor of the life and legacy of Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis, Governor DeWine has ordered that flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Allen and Hancock counties, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower. Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the day of his funeral.
All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
