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
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chatham County Police Department has lost 11 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 1 officer at Chatham County Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1979, 7 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 32. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Chatham County Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 24.8 and 39.8; the middle age was 28.5. Frank had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Frank was 32. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 20% of these deaths at Chatham County Police Department; November holds the most, 20%. Thursdays: 20%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 12%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 45.5% of all 11 deaths at Chatham County Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Chatham County Police Department has 11 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
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William R. Mitchell
Sep 7, 1918
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William Frank Godbold
Mar 28, 1929
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Perry L. Anderson
Oct 27, 1934
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William S. Winn, Jr.
Nov 1, 1934
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John J. O'Riley
Oct 21, 1939
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William M. Sheppard
Jun 9, 1951
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Harry H. Akins
Nov 21, 1962
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Dennis Witherington
Aug 24, 1969
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Daniel Alexander Hodgson
Mar 20, 1976
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Frank A. Kania, Sr.
May 24, 1979
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Doreen E. McCumber
Nov 4, 1988
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Chatham County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.









