Prev
Incident
Patrolman Rodgers was walking to the Swissvale Police Station to report for duty when he was struck and killed by a train on the railroad tracks in the area of Waverly Street and Noble Street.
He had been crossing the railroad tracks near the Swissvale Railroad Station when he had stepped backwards to avoid being hit by a train going west only to step in front of an eastbound train. There was no regular crossing in the area and Patrolman Rodgers had no other way then to cross the tracks. A coroner investigation concluded his death was accidental.
Patrolman Rodgers had served with the Swissvale Police Department for only seven months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnwth83wb6gnkx46z7f2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Patrick. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Rodgers served with the Swissvale Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rodgers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Swissvale Borough Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Patrick is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 5 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 22nd heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1908, 36 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 111th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1908, 48 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 108th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Patrick was 34. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. Patrick had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
Patrick was 34. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Patrick had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Patrick was 34. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Patrick had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.7% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 14.1%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Swissvale Borough Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Swissvale Borough Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Patrick among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Swissvale Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
