Aiken Standard file photo The late Lt. Michael Frank meets with members of the media during the January 2005 Graniteville train disaster.
By KAREN DAILY Staff writer
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
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Comment Title: Lt. Michael Frank
Words cannot begin to express the sadness and sense of loss I feel over the death of my colleague and friend. I first met Michael when he was still in TV news. As director of media relations at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, I work with reporters on a daily basis but I knew Michael was special. After he went to the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, we continued to remain in contact, partly because of our shared love of hockey; I'm a long-suffering St. Louis Blues fan. During the 2005 Graniteville train crash and leak, we worked side by side for more than 14 days and I witnessed first hand Michael's dedication and professionalism...and his sense of humor. During the first day of the incident we held a number of news briefings. Michael was wearing his black tactical ACSO uniform and I had my green DHEC shirt and khaki pants. The next day Michael came into the trailer and with a deadpan expression told me, "You know the media's hung nicknames on us because of what we were wearing yesterday." When I inquired about the nicknames, he told me, "Batman and Robin." Since that event we gave presentations about Graniteville throughout the country. We always had a laugh about our nicknames, even incorporating a picture of us in those outfits into our presentation. Michael came to Columbia a few weeks ago and had dinner with my wife and me. He spoke so proudly of his children and plans for the future. I am truly grateful that our paths crossed and our lives and hearts touched. May God welcome you home "Batman."
Posted by: On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Aiken County Resident
I just saw Lt. Franks tragic death on the news. I am so very sorry for his loss from his family and dear friends. Lt. Frank was a great asset to ACSO, and to Aiken County itself. No one will ever be able to fill his shoes. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Just know that he is with our Heavenly Father right now looking down upon his family and friends. Lt. Frank accomplished many things in his life, touched so many lives. Aiken County will dearly miss this man. God be with you at your time of need.
Posted by: DWALKER On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: REST IN PEACE
TO THE FRANK FAMILY HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.MAY GOD BLESS U ALL AT THE TIME OF THIS TRAGIC TIME BUT THE LORD WILL KEEP U.
Posted by: An Aiken Co. Resident On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Lt. Frank will be missed!
I am totally shocked at the passing of Lt. Frank! I remember him when he was on WJBF and then went to ACSO. To his family, I wish you Godspeed in your healing!! Lean on your strength through our Precious Lord to help you through! To ACSO, you have some mighty tough shoes to fill! God Bless you all!!
Posted by: A proud valley girl On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: represented us well
I did not know Mr. Frank but I was always impressed when he spoke on the news. He always represented Aiken County well and gave alot of credibility to our county. During the train wreck days he never stumbled at any question asked of him. He was a true professional and his shoes will be hard to fill!!
Posted by: Master Deputy John D. Smoak On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: A Dear Friend
I started my law enforcement career at the Aiken County Sheriff's Office. Michael was in my Academy class. I now serve with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. He will be greatly and deeply missed. My prayers are with his family and the Sheriff's Office
Posted by: Lorri On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: My personal appreciation
I want to say that Michael Frank was an amazing man with great character. He handled the devastation us residents of Graniteville, SC endured during the train crash. I was evacuated for 13 days from my former home. My home was safe upon my return and my dog resucued. I will never forget you sir! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Posted by: Sam McIntosh On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Comment by Sam McIntosh
It was not at all my intent to sum up Michael's life here in one sentance. The statement made was directed at those who began taking cheap shots at Sheriff Hunt via the death of Michael. The intent was to stop it before it went further. I am very sorry if I have offended anyone. This is not the place for such things.
Posted by: On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Devoted Public Servant
Can't believe Sam Macintosh thinks he can sum up Michael Frank's life in one line. Sam there is a hell of a lot more good things we need to say about Michael Frank and the great service he provided to the Aiken community.
Posted by: On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title:
This is NOT the place for you to rant about your dislike for the sheriff. It's to honor, Lt. Frank. God bless his family.
Posted by: Sam McIntosh On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Michael Franks
Character ? Integrity ? Sleeping with the Devil ? Chose to Stay ? Any person loosing their life is never pleasant so why don't we just pass on making comments here. He was a husband and father, church member, and had a love of sports. Is there any need to say more.
Posted by: Joe On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Missed forever
Lt Frank was a great guy who always teased me and my guys. We will miss him and wish his family the best. Life around Aiken will never be the same. He made people feel good about our men on the force. He kept us on top of all that was going on and you couldnt help but be drawn to him.
Posted by: On: 12/1/2008
Comment Title: Great Man
Michael Frank was a great man of strong character and integrity. When Mike Hunt and Dewayne Courtney took over the sheriff's office he quickly realized that he would have a challenge trying to make them look good. However, after realizing he was now sleeping with the devil, he made the best of an undesirable situation. He was a very religious man and we know that now he is at peace with our Lord.
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