Police Officer Peter A. Rodgers

Born October 31, 1870 - Ireland ** Never Married

Hired by Village of Dobbs Ferry Police Department: March 21st , 1904
Service Time: 20 years 2 months

Father: Patrick Rodgers
Mother: Francis O'Donnell (Rodgers - Toner)

Sister: Elizabeth Toner
Brother: Rev. Michael J. Toner

Date of Death: May 13, 1924
Cause of Death: Fracture to the base of skull, sustained from a fall, received in performance of duty as a Police Officer.

Place of Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Hastings-On-Hudson, New York
Date of Burial: May 16, 1924

Brief Synopsis:

On April 27, 1924 while on foot patrol Officer Peter A. Rodgers was struck by a motor vehicle operated by William Silesten of 350 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, in front of the Old Best Stable on Main Street. Officer Rodgers was transported to Dobbs Ferry Hospital by Mr. Silesten, accompanied by Chief of Police Costello, where Dr. Lyman treated him for a head injury.

On May 13, 1924 after a brave fight and valiant effort by Hospital staff, Officer Rodgers succumbed to his injuries. Officer Rodgers was survived by his mother and father, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Toner, his brother Rev. Michael Toner and his sisters Mrs. James F. Byrnes and Miss Elizabeth Toner. Officer Rodgers funeral was held at Sacred Heart Church in Dobbs Ferry, on May 16, 1924 after which he was interred at Mount Hope Cemetery. Officer Rodgers was fifty-three years of age at the time of his death and had been a Police Officer for over twenty years, sworn into service on March 21, 1904.

As a result of the efforts of the Dobbs Ferry Police Association, Officer Peter A. Rodgers will be added to both the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. on May 13, 2009 and the New York State Police Officers Memorial on May 19, 2009 during Police Week.