Sergeant Kelvin Ansari, a dedicated public servant, left a lasting impact on his family and community. Just a day before his tragic death, he imparted some final words of wisdom to his son, Kelvin Ansari Jr., words that continue to resonate. This is the story of his life, service, and the legacy he left behind.
Ansari dedicated 21 years of his life to the U.S. Army, serving tours in Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Inspired by his military service, he transitioned to law enforcement, joining the police force in 2008. His commitment and leadership quickly propelled him to the rank of sergeant.
“He was in uniform – with the Army, then the police department – all my life,” Kelvin Jr. recalled. “We were comfortable with it. He fought in different wars, we saw him as Superman. His whole tenure, I don’t remember any close calls. We were used to him always returning.”
On May 10th, Kelvin Jr., who resides in New York, had a phone conversation with his father. During their conversation, Sgt. Ansari shared some advice, saying, “Remember, your reputation precedes you.”
Tragically, just 24 hours later, Sgt. Ansari was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend an armed robbery suspect.
Kelvin Jr. remembers his father fondly, recalling his love for tinkering with electronics. “He was always trying to fix or build something,” Kelvin Jr., an artist, said. “He was very hands-on. If he didn’t know how something worked, he just had to figure it out.” He also remembers his father’s need for quiet reflection and the special space he always created for it.
He also cherished memories of the Boyz II Men Barber Shop in Savannah, where his father took him and his brother for haircuts after returning from his Army tour in Germany.
However, Kelvin Jr. also carries regrets, the things left unsaid and undone, fueled by the assumption of endless tomorrows. “I wish I had reached out to him more,” he lamented, “that I had made more of an effort. I have found out that he also wanted to start reaching out to me more. I was busy, he was busy. I was the child who had left the South and moved away. I think of all the things I never got a chance to do with him, like travel, have a real vacation with my dad. He loved to travel. That’s why my last conversation with him hurts so much.”
He added, “We played phone tag for a long time before we finally got to have that last conversation, and the words he said to me, ‘Remember, your reputation precedes you,’ permeate through me.”
Upon arriving in Savannah after his father’s death, Kelvin Jr. witnessed the profound impact his father had on the community. Memorials honoring Sgt. Ansari sprung up throughout Savannah, including near the Boyz II Men Barber Shop, the site of his death.
Even his elementary school art teacher had her class create portraits of Sergeant Ansari, and local artists contributed paintings and drawings in his memory. Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
A young boy even ran a mile carrying a Blue Lives Matter flag to honor Ansari’s service.
“The Savannah Police Department and Savannah in general have been so supportive,” his son shared. “I’ve gotten social media messages – in the thousands – from people I’ve never met. I’m so thankful that he is remembered like that.”
Sgt. Kelvin Ansari’s life was one of service, dedication, and love. His memory lives on through his family, his community, and the wisdom he shared.
Keywords: Police Officer, U.S. Army, Savannah, Fallen Officer, Legacy, Reputation, Community, Sacrifice.