Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, July 10, 1995
Add to My HeroesJames E. Rodgers
Inspector James Rodgers and Captain Robert Hopton were killed when their plane crashed while assisting deputies on the ground search for two suspects.
The suspects, who were trespassing on a ranch, matched the description of two men wanted for a home invasion and sexual battery in the same area the previous week. The single-engine Piper L-21-A stalled and crashed into trees just north of Lake Istokpoga. The men they were searching for were charged with trespassing and narcotics violations, but were determined not to be connected to the earlier incident.
Inspector Rodgers had served with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for four years. He is survived by his wife and daughters.
Bio
- Age 46
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 501
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Related LODD Deaths
Captain Robert F. Hopton, Jr.
Highlands County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: July 10, 1995
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsInspector Rodgers was my only sibling. He became my hero serving in the Air Force and then in our hometown of Avon Park as a member of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. His death was a staggering loss to his family and mine. We continue to lovingly remember him and his impact on our lives. Continue to Rest In Peace Jim.
NA John Rodgers
NA
January 1, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths
Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn, Jr.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Enforcement Division, MN
EOW: April 19, 2019
Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: April 14, 2019
Sergeant Steven L. Licon
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: April 6, 2019
Deputy Sheriff II Spencer Allen Englett
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 4, 2019
Detective Benjamin J. Campbell
Maine State Police, ME
EOW: April 3, 2019
Trooper Gerald Wayne Ellis
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: March 30, 2019
Trooper Brooke Jones-Story
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: March 28, 2019
Deputy Sheriff Peter Herrera
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: March 24, 2019
Police Officer Paul Thomas Rutherford
Phoenix Police Department, AZ
EOW: March 21, 2019