Aiken Department of Public Safety, South Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, April 22, 1950
Add to My HeroesRufus H. Rodgers
Officer Rufus Rodgers was shot and killed with his own weapon after responding to a domestic dispute between a father and two sons.
A second officer was arresting one of the sons for possessing a knife and Officer Rodgers was about to arrest the father. The other son snuck up behind Officer Rodgers and grabbed his gun. As he turned around he and the suspect's father were shot several times. The father was also killed. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested in the woods behind his house during a manhunt. The 26-year-old suspect was subsequently sentenced to life.
Officer Rodgers is survived by his wife, son, and five daughters.
Bio
- Age 65
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsPatrolman Rodgers,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Aiken. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)a
April 22, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026

