End of Watch: Police Officer Sgt. Kelvin, Served 21 Years In U.S. Army
12 May, Chief Roy Minter announced the passing of Sgt. Kelvin Ansari, 50, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an officer-involved shooting.
By Keturah Greene Savannah official police
Ansari was a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army and joined the Savannah Police Department in 2008. In September, he would have been with the department for 11 years. Ansari worked in various units in the department to include patrol, public housing enforcement and as a Northwest Precinct investigator. He was currently working as a supervisor in the Central Precinct.
“Last night we lost a great man,” said Police Chief Roy Minter. “We lost a man who spent a substantial portion of his life protecting the country and protecting the community. We lost a husband, we lost a father, and we lost a leader.”
At approximately 8:10 p.m. on May 11, officers responded to the 2300 block of Bull Street to follow-up on a previous robbery call. Officers were notified of a vehicle description and upon locating and approaching the vehicle, a shooting occurred. Two officers as well as the suspect sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital at that time. The second officer involved, Douglas Thomas, 40, was treated and released.
In line with transparency and due to SPD protocol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) was called in to investigate this incident further. Further questions and inquiries on the investigation should be forwarded to the GBI.
Chaplains and EAP will be providing support to officers, family, friends and co-workers in the wake of this incident.
“Today, our city mourns as one of our Savannah Police officers was wounded and another paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mayor Eddie DeLoach at a press conference this afternoon. “Our community owes these men and all those who wear the badge a debt of gratitude.”
Ansari is survived by his wife Charlotte and four children. His funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18 Calvary Baptist Church