Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in Peace, Officer Kania. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
March 24, 2012

my father was a great man i miss him so much. i was 3 years old when he died and horace smith took him away from us.... i forgive you horace..but my father didnt deserve to die by your hand......

son of frank kania
son
June 14, 2011

I had the pleasure to know Frank for three years, what a great guy. He was always smiling, never to busy to help or backup us small town cops. RIP Frank

J. Williams
Former Pt Wentworth PD Sgt
October 27, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
May 24, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
December 23, 2007

I remmeber Frank very well. Although he took his job seriosuly and di it well, he always had a sense of humor. Frank served on my shift for a couple of years. He was always an officer you could count on for a back up anytime you needed it!! His death was tragic, and I was greatly grieved when I heard the news. Rest in peace, Frank!

David "Sparky" Humphrey
April 21, 2006

I had the privilege of working with Frank for nearly five years. The last year, I was fortunate to be one of Frank's supervisor. Frank was a fine Officer and one that when given an assignment, no further supervision was necessary........ He got the job done! We haven't forgotten you.

NB

Cpl JN Becton
Chatham County PD