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Remembering Frank Kovacs: Patriot, Public Servant and Friend |
Frank Kovacs with wife Louise and sons
Steven and Patrick |
by Stephanie Womble
stephanie@dcpba.org
What words would one use to describe a man who dedicated his life to the
service of others? Honorable? What would you say about a man who
enlisted in the Marine Corps while still in high school? Would you call
him patriotic? Or what would you say about a man who after serving his
country, decided to trade a Marine uniform for that of the Miami-Dade
Police Department? Committed, maybe? And what would you say about
a man, who upon retiring decided to spend his free time assisting other retired officers to make sure
their concerns were heard? He's persistent? |
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These are just some of the words that we've used to describe Frank Kovacs
who passed away on January 4. While honorable, committed, and persistent are
certainly accurate words to describe Kovacs, I think the words which best
describe him and his service to all of us are “Semper Fi” (Always Faithful).
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Frank Kovacs was born in Sewickley, PA. Kovacs started his service to others
when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953 while he was still in
high school. He went into active duty in 1955 and served overseas in Okinawa
from 1956-57. He went on to become a “K” company drill instructor on Paris
Island and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. But his service didn't
end when his tour of duty was up, Kovacs became a reservist in 1962 and served
until 1992.
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After his military service, Kovacs, like many servicemen,
needed a job and law enforcement seemed like the perfect fit to fill both the
need for structure and dedication to service. Kovacs began his law enforcement
career with the West Miami Police Department where he worked for 18 months but
it was with the Miami-Dade Police Department, then known as the Dade County
Public Safety Department that he served 25 years. Kovacs served nine years at
the Training Bureau as a firearms instructor but spent the majority of his
career working the road in the south end of the County. Those who worked with
Kovacs have said that he never sought promotions because he wanted to be where
he was most useful.
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In February 1987, Kovacs became a member of the Retired Police Officers
Council (RPOC). Shortly thereafter, then President, Jimmy Baggett, asked
Kovacs to serve as the secretary and treasure which he did for six years
before eventually becoming president of the organization. Kovacs then served
as President of the Retired Police Officers Council for nine years and was a
fixture at the PBA office. In addition to weekdays, many Saturdays he could
be found in his office taking care of the needs of retired officers. Under
Kovacs, the RPOC grew from a small, mostly |
social organization of 300 members to an organization of 1,100 with the
purpose of assisting and addressing the needs of retired law enforcement
officers and their families during retirement. Kovacs was most proud of the
relationship he continued to cultivate as a liaison with PBA and Dade County to
address the very real needs of retirees. Success came over the years in the form
of enhanced retirement pay through working with the Florida PBA to regaining
benefits that retired officers had lost and making vast improvements in health
insurance of active and retired officers. Kovacs was also proud to have
established the ROC Love Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization which helps retired
officers in their times of need. When a new president took over, Kovacs still
looked forward to assisting the RPOC and watching the organization continue to
grow through his new position of Immediate Past President. And, he could still
be found at the PBA office on weekdays and most Saturdays simply because he
wanted to serve.
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So many times it isn't until we lose someone that we truly
reflect on the impact they've had on our lives and the lessons they've taught
us. What we at the PBA will remember are Frank Kovacs’ selfless acts of service,
his everyday acts of patriotism and his loyalty. “Frank was a man of honor and
service who gave to our Nation and our community. Through his persistence, he
made sure that our retired officers and veteran needs were addressed. There has
been no greater advocate or louder voice for law enforcement retirees. He will
be sorely missed,” said John Rivera, PBA President.
Kovacs is survived by
his wife of 49 years, Louise; his sons, Steven and Patrick; two sisters, Mary
and Alice; two brothers, Tommy and Bobby; other loving friends and relatives;
and his extended military, police and PBA families.
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