Tommy and Robbie Capell of Saving a Hero’s Place traveled from Texas to be with us today for the unveiling of a chair that honors Captain Robert F. Hopton Jr. and Inspector James E. Rodgers of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
Both died in the line of duty on July 10, 1995 when the plane they were in crashed near Lake Istokpoga while assisting deputies on the ground in a search for burglary suspects.
Sheriff Blackman, who was on the ground as a K-9 handler tracking one of the suspects that day, spoke about his memories and read a newspaper story that was published the day after the crash.
Howard Godwin, who was sheriff at the time of the crash, attended the event, which was also attended by members of Rodgers’ family.
Saving a Hero’s Place was founded in 2013. This is the 293rd chair they have produced to honor fallen officers. This chair will join the one for Deputy William Gentry, Jr. at the HCSO. Deputy Gentry’s chair was unveiled on May 9, 2019.
