BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A former Berkeley County sheriff captain who spent more than 30 years in law enforcement has passed away. Will Rogers, who was well known in the community and loved by many, died from complications of COVID-19 on Friday night, according to his family.
“Heaven needed a new warrior to guard the gates, and they got the best damn one,” George Wyatt, Rogers’ son-in-law said. “I hope I’m half the father you were to my wife. Your granddaughters will be constantly reminded of the kind of man you were. The kind who would go without so someone he loves could have something they needed.”
Described by many as a true warrior who overcame obstacles and never gave up, tributes quickly poured in online following the news of his death.
“Will, you were a good officer and even better man! I’m sure without a doubt heaven has gained another angel. Prayers from your family and fellow officers. May you rest in peace,” said Andy Driggers.
“I’m heartbroken. Will was truly a sweetheart of a man. Will never met a stranger and always treated everyone with respect,” said friend, Sharyn Howell. “I’m gonna miss the bear hugs when we saw each other. Fly high, my dear friend.”
In May 2015, Rogers made headlines after he was shot in the back of the head during an ambush while standing outside a gas station on Highway 52 and Cypress Gardens Road in Moncks Corner. Rogers, who was on duty at the time, was not expected to survive.
“The surgeon told me that he didn’t think I would get off the operating table alive,” Rogers told The Berkeley Observer in 2016. “He said he was doing everything he could, and it was going to be put in God’s hands.”
Miraculously, Rogers would go on to beat the odds. The epidemy of resilience, Rogers pulled through despite his long road to recovery.
“My Uncle Will has always been a fighter. Unfortunately, his fight was not enough to defeat COVID-19. We lost an amazing man,” said Brooke Warren, his niece. “Will was always able to put a smile on others’ faces, usually with his crazy antics. He loved his family fiercely and loved being a deputy more than life itself.”
Two months before his shooting, Rogers had hoped to follow in the footsteps of his late-father, Jimmy Rogers. In 2015, Rogers entered the crowded race for Berkeley County sheriff. He was one of 16 candidates vying for the job.
Rogers ultimately retired from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, a place he’d worked since 1991. Before joining the sheriff’s office, he worked for the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Moncks Corner Police Department. He left law enforcement without any regrets.
“I really enjoyed my career in law enforcement. I’ve gotten to help thousands of people. I’ve done anything from changing tires to helping people with warrants and turning their life around,” Rogers previously told The Berkeley Observer.
Rogers did not fade into the sunset following retirement. Instead, he became an outspoken advocate for law enforcement, speaking out against the growing violence toward his brothers and sisters in blue.
After his passing Friday, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Rogers’ family, friends and former co-workers.
“BCSO extends extreme gratitude to our brothers and sisters who helped escort our fallen brother last night. Please pray for the family of Captain Will Rogers, both blood and blue,” the sheriff’s office said via social media.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
The Berkeley Observer talks to Will Rogers after his release from the hospital following his 2015 shooting:
SEE ALSO:
- Sheriff Duane Lewis Swears In Lt. Will Rogers
- BREAKING: Police Kill Suspect Wanted In Lt. Will Rogers’ Shooting
- Lt. Rogers’ Family Pleads For Suspect To Come Forward; $11,000 Reward Offered For Info Leading To Arrest
- Rescue Squad Honors Deputies Shot In The Line Of Duty
- Officials: Critically-Wounded Deputy Taken Off Ventilator, Talking To Family
- Berkeley County Deputy In Critical Condition, Manhunt For Shooter Underway
- Highlights From Recent Berkeley Co. Sheriff Candidates Forum
- 16 Candidates File To Run For Berkeley Co. Sheriff
- Retired Captain Will Rogers: “The War On Police Must Stop”
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