Florence County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 9, 1997
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 9, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed by other officers
Deputy Joseph Rodgers was shot and killed by a murder suspect after he had responded to a call that the suspect had been sighted.
The suspect, who had committed a double-murder two days prior, shot and killed Deputy Rodgers when he arrived on the scene. The suspect then stole his cruiser and began to leave the scene but was stopped at the end of the road by another deputy and a state trooper. As the suspect jumped out of the cruiser, the two officers opened fire, killing him. Both officers received awards for their heroism.
Deputy Rodgers had served with the agency for four years. He is survived by his fiancée, parents, and brother.