(Richfield, UT) - Law enforcement officers from across Utah have gathered at the Sevier Events Center to pay tribute to Sevier County Sheriff's Sgt. Franco Aguilar. They arrived in groups wearing their formal uniforms, some wearing black cowboy hats, others their long sleeve blue jackets and others in finely pressed white shirts.

"I'm just totally amazed at how the law enforcement community comes together on such an occasion," said Sevier County Commissioner Gary Mason. Aguilar's funeral was scheduled to start at noon. Sevier County Sheriff Phil Barney, whom Aguilar was reportedly very close to, and Chief Deputy John Hunt were among the scheduled speakers. Gov. Gary Herbert was also expected to be at the service.

Father James Blaine, pastor of the St. Peters parish in American Fork, was conducting the funeral mass. Blaine said he saw Aguilar's widow, Jamie Farley, prior to the ceremony, and even though she said she was "OK," it was evident she is still struggling. "It's really hard on them, really hard," he said. Blaine, who baptized one of Aguilar's daughters just a few weeks ago, said this was one of the hardest things he's ever gone through. His message Wednesday will be to offer words of encouragement to the family, to tell them that Franco's spirit will live on. "It's going to be a difficult time, but there is something beyond," he said. "He'll be watching over them, protecting them."

In downtown Richfield, some businesses put messages to Franco on their marquees. Flags remained at half staff where they have been since his death. Like almost everyone in the community, Franco was also good friends with Mason. "I'm going to miss him, miss him a lot," Mason said, choking back tears. "Everybody loved Franco. He was just one of those guys I wish I could be like."

The Sevier County Commission declared Wednesday Franco Aguilar Day in the county.