Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jan 2012
Source: Standard-Examiner (UT)
Copyright: 2012 Ogden Publishing Corporation
Contact:  http://www.standard.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/421

IN THE LINE OF DUTY

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Ogden police 
officer, Jared Francom, killed on Wednesday night while performing 
his duties as a member of the Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force. 
While 12 officers were serving a search warrant in Ogden, a suspect, 
Matthew Davis Stewart, 37, opened fire on the officers.

Francom and five other officers were hit. The wounded officers -- 
whose conditions range from serious to critical -- are Shawn Grogan, 
Kasey Burrell and Michael Rounkles of the Ogden department, Sgt. Nate 
Hutchinson of the Weber County Sheriff's Office, and Jason VanderWarf 
of the Roy Police Department. Stewart, who was also shot, is in 
custody. The "knock-and-announce" search warrant occurred at 8:40 p.m.

What occurred this week is a sobering reminder that a law enforcement 
officer's job always has a potential danger. Those who protect us 
while we sit comfortably in our homes at night are expected to toil 
with the understanding that weapons may be turned on them at any 
time. Francom is the first Ogden police officer to be killed in the 
line of duty since 1963, when Detective Sgt. Marshall White was 
killed. Francom was a seven-year veteran of the department and leaves 
behind a wife and two young children. On Thursday, flags in Ogden 
were at half-staff. When Francom's memorial service occurs, flags 
will be lowered to half-staff across the state.

Today, parents mourn for their slain son, a wife mourns for her slain 
husband and two young children cry for a dad who will never be able 
to hold them again. We must hold those whom we love, give hugs to our 
children, and thank our Heavenly Father that we have men and women 
willing to give their lives to make our communities, and our lives, safer.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D