OGDEN — The home of the Ogden Police Department has been re-named in honor of officer Jared Francom, one year after he was killed in a shootout.

Narcotics Officers served a knock and announce warrant during the shooting that took Francom's life a year ago. Francom took several bullets and five other officers were also shot. Francom later died at a hospital.

On Friday, family, friends and fellow officers honored him at a ceremony. The Francom Public Safety Building houses both the Police and Fire Departments. Family members said this was a very appropriate honor, not only for Francom's service, but also because they say the city and his Department were very special to him.

Dozens of police officers and many others in the crowd gathered to honor Agent Jared Francom.

"We're here to recognize and memorialize Francom for the ultimate sacrifice that he made," said Chief Mike Ashment.

Francom's wife, Erin, says that the past year without her husband has been extremely tough, but made better with the help of her family.

"He was an amazing police officer," Erin said of her husband. "I appreciate these guys more than I could express. Not just Ogden Police Department, but all the other departments that have come forth, and helped me and my family."

Francom's family, and the police community have drawn closer together in this tragedy. And now Francom's name on the front of the building is a symbol of that bond.

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Jade Francom wishes he didn't have to see the plaque with his son's name on the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.

"We can't thank these guys enough," said Francom's father, Jade. "His fellow officers, the ones that were wounded, and those that he served with. He's here, and he's smiling."

The reminders of Francom have been placed around the building both in front and in a more private memorial in back of the station. The smaller memorial in back was dedicated last May.

"Makes me think that we're one big family," Ashment said. "Makes me think that it's not just a job. It goes beyond that."

Francom was killed as Narcotics officers entered the home of Matthew David Stewart in search of a marijuana grow. Erin Francom says in the past year his two daughters have been amazingly resilient.

"They have such a strong will, and understanding that their strength makes me strong too," Erin said.

Family members say they hope this new memorial will help people remember how much Jared Francom loved what he did and why he gave his life.

"I think he'd be proud of this right now," Erin said.

On the other side of the shooting tragedy, Matthew David Stewart is expected to get a trial date within the next few weeks. The state is seeking the death penalty. He claims he thought he was being robbed the night that the police were doing a search of his home.

Francom's family and supporters will hold a vigil in memory of the shooting Friday night.

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