Greenwood County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, May 19, 1973
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Charlie Albert Rodgers
Honoring your service on the 50th Anniversary of your death. Hoping that your son has found peace, comfort and strength. Your #BlueFamily remembers you.
Captain JMD (Ret.)
Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department
May 19, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Rodgers,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Greenwood County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 19, 2023
My name is Charlie Keith Rodgers. I was 9 when my dad was killed.Im 59 now and my life has been anything but good. Im a drug addict and a felon. I live that day over and over. I can never get a moments peace in my mind ,because I see that day we buried him and the pain never leaves my heart.I want to thank Officer Cockfield for what he did. Its 2021 and I just now found out who killed mr. Anderson . My dad was my everything and then I lost my mom at 18.Ive been lost every since. I hope everyone in law enforcement is safe and careful. God bless our officers and keep them safe.
Charlie Rodgers son
Charlies son
April 1, 2021
Charlie came bye greenwood city police department a day prior to his shooting. It was first time we met and he spoke of having to work multiple jobs to care for his family. He had just paid off a bill and was now going to spend more time with his son. I admired the love I saw for his family. The next time I saw Charlie was on tabor St immediately after he was shot. I drove he and partner Bryant to end of tabor st. Other officers took him to hospital. I went to other side of block. Kelly Anderson came out of thick brush, shot at me, I returned fire, killing the perpetrator. I was a pall bearer at Charlie's funeral. I saw and felt the pain of a families loss first hand. The sacrifices officers and their families suffer can never be adequately described. Thank all your police for the sacrifices they make for everyone's safety every day. God bless Charlie and his loved ones.
Patrolman Gary cockfield
Greenwood police dept
May 16, 1973
Patrolman Gary cockfield
Greenwood city police dept
May 18, 2018
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
May 19, 2015
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 19, 2012
I was not kin to him but he worked part time dilivering Gas he got to us in a tanker. I was 13 he was a Great man good with Kids and it was a honor to have known him the way I did.
Ray Hinton
Bill Hinton Shell
June 16, 2008
Thank You for having served the Carolina Community.
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
May 19, 2008
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
July 10, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.
CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
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