FRANK UPSHAW is a retired member of the Camden Police Department. He is a the member of a family that has a long record of service in local law enforcement. Oldest brother Robert Upshaw served in the Camden Police Department's Communications Division,  Another brother, Gilbert Upshaw, served as a detective on the Camden Police Department and with the Camden County Prosecutors Office as a polygraphist, and his sister Brenda M. Cannon (nee Upshaw), served with the Camden County Sheriff's Department. A third brother, Jerome Upshaw, served for over 30 years in the United States Air Force.

Frank Upshaw was born in Camden in December of 1939 to Allen Upshaw and his wife, Elizabeth Freeman Upshaw. The couple was living at 1028 Sycamore Street on April 4th of 1930, when the Census was taken, brother Robert then a newborn baby. Allen Upshaw, a Virginian by birth, was then working as an "automobile repairer". The Freeman family had been living in the neighborhood as far back as 1887, when they were in the 700 block of Baxter Street, a small street that runs between Sycamore Street and Kaighn Avenue.  The family would remain in the 700 block of Baxter Street through 1910, then move to the 900 block by the end of 1919. 1028 Sycamore Street was the home of maternal grandmother Emma Freeman. Her other children, John, Clifford, and Martha Freeman also lived at the address. A brother, Gilbert Upshaw, was born one year later, on April 5, 1931. 

When the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled, the Allen Upshaw family lived at 1015 Kaighn Avenue. Allen Upshaw was then working as a driver.

Frank Upshaw followed older brother Robert's and Gilbert's career path, and joined the Camden Police Department on April 24, 1975. He started out on the walking beat in patrol division. During that time he served as a training officer, then went to the tactical force, then to special operations, to the vice unit, and back to the patrol division. He was promoted to Corporal by then Chief William Hill. His last assignment before retirement was to serve as the Fourth District house assistant to squad supervisor. Frank Upshaw retired from the Police Department on August 31, 2000.

During his twenty-five year career, Frank Upshaw received numerous awards and citations, including that of NJ Patrolman of the Year, on October 13, 1977 by then Governor Brendan Byrne. He was also awarded heroism, merit, New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly citations, in recognition of then U.S. Attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani, and State Senators Walter Rand, Joseph Roberts and Wayne Bryant.  

Frank Upshaw was a dual member of the PBA and FOP from 1975 through 1980, when he resigned from the PBA. He remains an active member of Fraternal Order of Police Camden Lodge #1.