In continued recognition of Agent Jared Francom and his fellow public safety officers, this week’s Weber State University men’s basketball games are free to public safety officials and their families.
“In light of the fallen officer and all that has taken place in Ogden, we felt that this should be a nice gesture to honor the fallen officers,” said Ron Goch, assistant athletic director at WSU, “as well as the public officials throughout Ogden, Weber County, Davis County and Morgan County.”
For last night’s game against Montana State University, up to four complimentary tickets were available for each public safety official with a valid ID. The same deal will apply to Saturday night’s game against the University of Montana, according to the press release by Paul Grua, WSU Athletics’ media relations director.
WSU Athletics has hosted Public Safety Officials Night in the past, but Goch said they felt this week would be an ideal time for the tradition. The Coca-Cola company has joined in on the act as well.
“I just got a call from Coke to say that they would like to distribute a Coke for every public official that comes, and they’re delivering cases of Coke to the ticket office,” Goch said. “So it’s gonna be a great night . . . for public officials and their families, and really all of the community, to come together.”
Goch said a moment of silence was observed for Francom at last night’s game before the national anthem. A moment of silence was also observed at the women’s basketball game last Wednesday, the night after the shootout in Ogden occurred, during which Francom was fatally shot and five other officers wounded.
John Kowalewski, media relations director at WSU, said many of the school’s departments reached out to help with Francom’s funeral service on Wednesday. The Dee Events Center staff, the WSU Police Department and Facilities Management helped coordinate the event, the multimedia services department helped project images on the scoreboard during the ceremony, and Parking Services helped with the parking arrangements for the event.
“I think, in general, the news regarding Officer Francom and his colleagues is a real tragedy for this community,” Kowalewski said, “and in being able to reach out and offer some support to the Ogden Police Department, and to our community as a whole, felt like the right thing to do, and hopefully . . . (will help) begin the healing process from this tragedy.”
Saturday night’s basketball game, like last night’s game, will take place at 7 p.m. at the Dee Events Center. Public safety officials may present their ID at the ticket office to receive complimentary tickets.
