Ohio AG among those honoring Bluffton officer
BLUFFTON — We may never know the true depth that Bluffton Police Officer Dominic “Dom” Francis’ reach was as a peacemaker who positively impacted countless lives.
In the past week, the community learned a lot about the man Bluffton Police Department Chief Ryan Burkholder described as a “superhero” after courageously losing his life in the line of duty on March 31. While they always knew Francis was a “godsend” in their little piece of rural heaven, they could not have known how many of the best known and most powerful leaders in Ohio viewed him as the valuable treasure they did.
Count Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost as one who already knew about Bluffton’s do-it-all public servant — the firefighter, substitute teacher, coach, bus driver, BPD mechanic and fixer of all things Francis was. Yost was one of several speakers at Francis’ funeral on Friday and recollected how he learned of the man best described as a “changemaker” three years ago while commending Francis for his commitment to the oath he took.
“I met Dom in 2019 for his exemplary service. He was being honored for keeping our streets safe from drunk drivers,” Yost reminisced. “I remember him with great affection.”
Yost acknowledged the courage all law enforcement officers take when they enter into a career and praised Francis for continually answering the call every time he put his uniform on.
“His act last was heroic, but that is not what made him a hero. Dom was a hero because every single day that he reported to duty, he was making the same promise, and accepted the same risk,” Yost said.
Following the funeral and the procession to the cemetery where Francis was laid to rest, Yost agreed to meet for a one-on-one interview with The Lima News to discuss bail reform and other measures to protect the general public as well as law enforcement.
Referencing the recent case of Dubose v. McGuffey, Yost explained Ohio’s Supreme Court ruled judges cannot take the safety of the public into account when determining cash bonds from criminal defendants. Yost says it’s absurd and while he understands the argument that defendants of lesser means deserve equitable treatment under the law, he believes a constitutional amendment could take care of both issues.
“There’s a difference between a presumption of innocence in court and pretending that a career criminal poses no threat on the street,” Yost said. “This constitutional amendment is necessary to make our communities safe.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost appeared at the funeral for fallen Buffton police officer Dominic Francis on Friday.
Reach Joe Gilroy at 567-242-0398 or on Twitter @TLNJoe Gilroy