NRLEA

Police, friends from across Utah gather to honor Sgt. Franco Aguilar

Posted by NRLEA under Latest News

RICHFIELD — Everyone considered Sevier County sheriff’s Sgt. Franco Aguilar their best friend.

During funeral services Wednesday for the decorated deputy who was killed in the line of duty, the stories from co-workers and community members about Aguilar’s infectious personality and smile were nonstop.

“Everybody loved Franco. He was just one of those guys I wish I could be like,” said Sevier County Commissioner Gary Mason.

Aguilar, 36, was killed April 29 while assisting a motorist who had crashed on the icy Fish Creek Bridge along I-70, about 11 miles east of I-15. While talking to the female driver, who was still sitting in her car, another vehicle driven by an 18-year-old man slid out of control into the first vehicle, tossing Aguilar over the bridge. He fell more than 100 feet to his death.

He is the first Utah Latino officer to be killed in the line of duty, according to the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial.

At his funeral service Wednesday in Richfield, officers from across the state gathered at the Sevier Valley Center to pay their final respects.

“He was one of the finest officers I ever worked with,” said Sevier County sheriff’s chief deputy John Hunt. “Franco was invaluable to our department.”

Aguilar always used caution in everything he did, Hunt said. “I know the night of the accident he did everything he could to make that scene safe.”

To Sevier County Sheriff Phil Barney, Aguilar was like a son. He had “exemplary integrity,” was an outstanding officer, fun-loving and not above pulling a practical joke, Barney said.

The sheriff promised Wednesday that from now on, his office would be expected to follow the “Franco standard of excellence.”

“We will serve above and beyond the call of duty and with enthusiasm, like he did,” he said.

The Catholic funeral Mass was conducted by the Rev. James Blaine, pastor of St. Peter Parish in American Fork. As Aguilar’s coffin, draped with a white cloth, was brought into the arena, all the officers in the building stood and saluted as bagpipes played. The sheriff’s office lined the path from the viewing room to the funeral.

Behind the coffin, Aguilar’s widow, Jamie Farley Aguilar, and their five children walked in, followed by dozens of friends and family members. Jamie Aguilar wore a sticker of a sheriff’s badge on her black dress with a black band across it.

“I wish I could find words to take away the pain and sorrow,” the Rev. Blaine told the congregation. “These times are truly difficult. Mourning is always hard. That’s why we pray for those who are mourning.”

“A beautiful life. A beautiful person,” the pastor said of Franco Aguilar.

Just a few weeks ago, he baptized one of Aguilar’s daughters. Before the ceremony, he said this was one of the hardest things he has ever gone through. His message Wednesday to the family was one of encouragement.

“It’s going to be a difficult time, but there is something beyond,” he said. “He’ll be watching over them, protecting them.”

Psalm 23 was read, as was 1st Corinthians in Spanish, followed by The Lord’s Prayer. A Eucharistic prayer was offered as the Rev. Blaine prepared communion.

After the closing prayer, Sevier County dispatchers did a last call for Aguilar.

“Thank you for your service,” the dispatcher said.

After the ceremony, officers from across the state lined a road leading from the arena to the hearse. The officers stood on both sides and saluted as the coffin, now draped with an American flag, was carried away.

In front of the events center, Aguilar’s silver patrol car — the one he was driving the night of the accident, which somehow came out unscathed — was parked near the entrance.

Along the funeral procession route in Richfield, more than 1,000 children from the elementary schools and other residents lined the streets, all waving American flags as the long procession passed. A strong wind from an approaching storm blew dozens of flags in full view across the town.

Hundreds of people attended Aguilar’s burial service Wednesday afternoon in the American Fork Cemetery. A cortege of law enforcement motorcycles slowly escorted the hearse containing Aguilar’s casket underneath a massive American flag suspended over 600 East and into the cemetery.

The pallbearers, three of whom were Aguilar’s brothers, carried the casket through a corridor of saluting officers as bagpipes played. A crowd of deputies, highway patrol officers and other law enforcement officials stood at attention while family, friends and others solemnly watched.

Flags flapped in the wind as the Rev. Blaine offered a graveside prayer. After he finished, three volleys of shots rang out over the cemetery as Aguilar was honored with a 21-gun salute.

Three helicopters flew over the cemetery to end the military rites. Pallbearers and members of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department approached Aguilar’s casket, placing white boutonnieres on the silver lid while wiping their eyes.

In downtown Richfield, some businesses put messages to Aguilar on their marquees. Flags remained at half staff, where they have been since his death.

Gov. Gary Herbert was among the dignitaries attending the funeral. He said Aguilar “made the ultimate sacrifice” and is a reminder of how all law enforcers put their lives on the line every day.

“He was an example of how to do it right, an example for us all on how to better your community,” he said.

The Sevier County Commission declared Wednesday Franco Aguilar Day.

“I’m just totally amazed at how the law enforcement community comes together on such an occasion,” said Sevier County Commissioner Gary Mason.

Contributing: Justin Ritter