Frank A. Kania, Sr.

Chatham County Police Department — Savannah, GA

Felonious

End of Watch May 24, 1979

Age 32

Tour of Duty 7 yrs

The Vigil Panel 121 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 10

Incident

Officer Kania was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Ogeechee Road near the Savannah Speedway. The drunk driver crossed the center line, side-swiped the vehicle in front of Officer Kania, and then struck his vehicle head-on. The drunk driver was charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, and driving too fast for conditions. He was sentenced to 2 years in prison and 5 years probation. Officer Kania had served with the Chatham County Police Department for 7 years and had previously served with the Savannah Police Department.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-GA-10A76A55
Stewardship: Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Kania gave the Chatham County Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Savannah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Kania.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Chatham County Police Department

Location Savannah, GA

Platform Identity ccpd.chatham.ga.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch May 24, 1979

Tour of Duty 7 yrs

Age 32

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved

Offender Sentenced to 5 years probation

Patrol Officer Frank A. Kania, Sr. is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Chatham County Police Department, 5 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 45.5% of this agency's fallen.

Chatham County Police Department

of 11 officers

45.5% Felonious

GA — Statewide

548

of 903 officers

60.7% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious