Deputy Joseph C. Rodgers, 25, was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, April 9, 1997, while serving with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Rodgers, a four-year deputy described as a model officer and well liked by colleagues, had responded to a reported sighting of a murder suspect who was already wanted in connection with a double homicide two days earlier.

According to reports, the suspect opened fire when Rodgers arrived, fatally wounding the deputy, then stole Rodgers’ patrol car and attempted to flee. A Florence County deputy and a state trooper later stopped the stolen cruiser; when the suspect exited armed, the two officers fired and the suspect was killed at the scene. The officers who stopped the vehicle received awards for their actions. Rodgers was survived by his fiancée, his parents, and a brother.

If anyone has memories of Deputy Rodgers or information about the incident that might add to the record, please share what is known.