Highlands County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, July 10, 1995
Add to My HeroesRobert F. Hopton, Jr.
Captain Robert Hopton and Inspector James Rodgers 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.
Captain Hopton had served in law enforcement for 22 years. He is survived by wife, son, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 22 years
- Badge 905
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 10, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Chief Deputy Burl Wesley Everman
Bath County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: November 9, 2024

Police Officer Philip J. Schifini
Nassau County Police Department, NY
EOW: November 27, 2024

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025