ACSO's Frank recalled fondly

Aiken Standard file photo The late Lt. Michael Frank meets with members of the media during the January 2005 Graniteville train disaster.

A diverse group of people who knew Aiken County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Lt. Michael Frank spoke freely about his life and his willingness to serve the community he lived in and embrace those he met.

The lieutenant died Saturday afternoon from injuries he sustained in a single-car crash in Greene County, Ga. He was on his way back to Aiken County from Atlanta when he crashed at mile marker 132 on I-20.

The Pennsylvania native moved to the CSRA in the late 1980s after taking a job in local television. He worked first with Augusta WRDW News Channel 12 and then Augusta WJBF News Channel 6 before becoming the spokesperson for the Aiken County Sheriff's Office under the late Sheriff Howard Sellers.

He stayed on with the agency when Sheriff Michael Hunt took over in 2003 and served as the public information officer for 13 years.

"He did his job and he did it very well," reflected Hunt. "He was not only a colleague but a personal friend."

Those who knew him best spoke of his dedication to law enforcement and his appreciation of those who served with him.

Frank's children, "Tip," a senior at North Augusta High School, and Tara, a junior at the College of Charleston, told the sheriff their father wanted a ceremonial law enforcement funeral.

"And that's what we are going to do," Hunt said.

Frank may have been recognized by most for his early work in television and then as a spokesperson for the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, but there were several sides to the 48-year-old father of two, said Tad Marshall, pastor at Lakeside Baptist Church, where Frank had been an active member.

"He was a very intellectual and caring man and a loving dad who talked constantly of his kids and how proud he was of them," Marshall said. "He was a very active and faithful member of the church."

An usher at the church and a Sunday school student, Frank took trips with church members and spent Thanksgiving with fellow parishioners before traveling to Atlanta to referee a hockey game.

Friend Chris Alverson said Frank had a passion for the game. Having worked for the Augusta Lynx and more recently for teams in Atlanta, he kept busy and traveled often.

Those who knew him knew he loved hockey.

"He taught me a little and had recently gone to Canada to receive more training," Marshall said. "He was so excited."

Frank shared his love of hockey with his son.

"He cared so much about his kids," Marshall added. "He was a joy to know, and I was honored to be a friend."

Funeral services for Frank will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Lakeside Baptist Church, Clearwater, with Marshall officiating. Interment will be in Pineview Memorial Park in North Augusta with law enforcement honors rendered by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

The family will receive friends at Posey Funeral Home Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com