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Incident
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Inspector Rodgers gave the Highlands County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sebring community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Rodgers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Highlands County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 315 officers lost to accidents in FL, 31.3% of the 1,007 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1995, 8 officers in FL were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 9.
In 1995, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1995, 81 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 46. Of the 293 lost to accidents in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 35. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 46. 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. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 46. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 6% of these deaths in FL; February holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 16.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Highlands County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.3% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, 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 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Highlands County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Highlands County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
