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Security guard honored for heroics in Akron shooting

Akron Beacon Journal - 4/23/2021

He put his life on the line in the Middle East during Desert Storm.

He risked his safety again during a shootout in the streets of Akron.

Gary Frank, an U.S. Army Veteran and former security guard, was honored this week for his heroism during a shooting in June 2019 in which he came to the aid of a mother and her three children.

During a ceremony Wednesday at the Veteran’s Service Commission office in Akron, Frank received a celebration coin from the Veteran’s Service Commission of Summit County, a proclamation from Summit County declaring it “Gary Frank Day,” a plaque, and a $1,000 reward from Summit County Crime Stoppers.

Salute recognizes security, military duties

Larry Moore, executive director of the Veterans Service Commission, said he thought Frank deserved to be recognized for heroism that began with his military service and continued after that, including during the shooting.

“That’s part of your DNA is: to assist,” said Moore, referring to Frank and other veterans. “That carries over into the community. Just because you hung up your uniform, doesn’t mean you stop serving your country.”

Frank, who served eight years in the Army and retired after owning Typhon Security in Akron, said he appreciated the accolades, though they weren’t necessary.

“I did what I did because it was the right thing to do and it needed to be done,” he said.

Distraction allows wounded woman to flee with her children

Frank was working a security job on June 16, 2019, when gunfire erupted in broad daylight in Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood.

Police said Akil Scott Jackson, 24, of Akron, shot Tiffany Gray, his ex-girlfriend, in the upper back after an argument. Gray crouched over her three daughters, ages 1, 3 and 4, the youngest fathered by Jackson, to protect them.

Frank, who was working security at a nearby fire station, heard Jackson’s shot and started to return fire. The distraction gave Gray time to flee to the nearby Circle K.

Jackson fired again at Gray but his gun jammed. Two men and a woman in passing cars rushed to help Gray. The two men wrestled with Jackson as a woman loaded Gray and her kids into the back of her vehicle. Jackson began firing again at Frank, police said.

The shootout ended when Jackson put the gun to his head and fired, police said.

Police credited Frank and the bystanders with saving Gray and her children.

Frank told the Beacon Journal shortly after the incident that he was motivated by a need to help the unarmed mother.

“I did it because I saw a woman needing assistance and I gave assistance,” he said.

More: Security guard explains his role in Akron shooting

More: Mayor honors 3 bystanders who aided woman and children in shootout

Mayor Dan Horrigan held a news conference and gave certificates to the three bystanders who came to Gray’s aid.

Friend and fellow security professional organizes recognition

Tim Dimoff, who owns SACS Consulting and Investigative Services and is a friend of Frank’s, thought Frank also should be honored for his actions during the shooting. Dimoff organized this week's event.

“I thought he deserved some equal accolades,” Dimoff said.

Frank, who said he doesn’t seek out recognition, said he was touched by the tribute.

“I appreciate their thoughtfulness in doing it for me,” he said.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjoural.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Security guard honored for heroics in Akron shooting

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