Maui County Police Department, Hawaii
End of Watch Friday, July 11, 1952
Add to My HeroesFrank A. F. Kong
Officer Frank Kong was shot to death by two prisoners escaping from the Maui County jail.
Officer Kong was lured into their cell, claiming that their toilet was broken, where one of the prisoners shot him in the head. It was five hours later when Officer Kong's body was found, and the prisoners had escaped in a prison vehicle. One prisoner was quickly captured.
It was later discovered that a door had mistakenly been left unlocked that led to an area where weapons were kept. The prisoners had stolen three pistols.
Officer Kong's killer was found in a church, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was awaiting trial for murder. He had raped and strangled a 25-year-old mother. The other 34-year-old prisoner was in jail charged with forgery. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life.
Officer Kong had served with the Maui County Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and four sons. One son was serving at the Mauiolice Department at the time. Two of his grandchildren went on to serve in law enforcement.
Bio
- Age 50
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsAloha Frank A.F. Kong,
I’m your grandson that never knew you because you passed before my birth. I followed in your footsteps becoming a police officer and retiring as a Police Lieutenant with the San Jose Police Department.
My parents, your son Vivian and his wife May, were not thrilled when I told them I wanted to be a police officer. They did not elaborate at the time only saying that it was probably not a good idea. It was not until I had been a police officer for years that I learned of the circumstances of your passing. I did not know that you were a police officer and killed in the line of duty.
My sister, your granddaughter Cecelia Amoy Kong, also continued the tradition by becoming a Special Agent with the FBI. We are both retired now and will always be proud to be part of the Law Enforcement community and to have you as our Kapunakane.
Rest easy knowing that you have not been forgotten by the officers at Maui PD , nor your family. We look forward to meeting you in heaven and “talking story” not only as fellow law enforcement officers but as your proud grandchildren.
Aloha oe a hui hou kakou!
Ernie and Cecelia Kong
Ernest Kong
SJPD Retired #2603
December 14, 2023
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