Frankie Paul Nelson was born September 7‚ 1957‚ to Frank Jr. and Cora Nelson in Arcadia‚ Louisiana. After relocating to Shreveport‚ he was educated in the public schools of Caddo Parish‚ where he excelled in athletics‚ especially track and field. He was offered full scholarships to various universities across the nation for his outstanding athletic abilities‚ as well as his outstanding academic performance. Louisiana Tech in Ruston‚ Louisiana‚ was his choice for higher education because he wanted to be close to home.

While attending Louisiana Tech he excelled academically as well as earning accolades in track and football. In 1980‚ he earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism. After graduation he signed with the NFL’s Houston Oilers as a defensive back and a kick-off punt returner‚ but an injury soon brought his professional career to an end.

Frankie worked for the local CBS‚ ABC‚ and NBC affiliates as a weekend news producer and cameraman before beginning his illustrious career as a firefighter. On August 3‚ 1981‚ Frankie joined the Shreveport Fire Department. Ten years later he became a Driver‚ and seven years later he was promoted to Captain. During his tenure‚ Frankie served the Shreveport Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Battalion Safety Officer. Throughout his career as a Professional Firefighter‚ he received many awards and recognitions‚ but the one that meant the most came from a small church in the district he served‚ naming him a community hero. Frankie always cherished that honor and said in his acceptance speech that‚ this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.

In 1989‚ he married his wife‚ Rosalind‚ and to this union three children were born‚ Suzanne‚ Franklin‚ and Frederic. Frankie was scheduled to officially retire March 10‚ 2010‚ after 28 years of service. Frankie was always larger than life‚ and his jovial personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him.