Safety & Health

Indianapolis FD Photographer Dies Days Before Retiring

Dec. 22, 2020

Indianapolis Fire Department photographer and historian Rodger J. Birchfield, 81, was found in his recliner in his Marion County home, wearing his uniform shirt and with his radio next to him.

By Lydia Gerike

Source The Indianapolis Star

Indianapolis Fire Department photographer and historian Rodger J. Birchfield, 81.

Rodger J. Birchfield, longtime photographer and historian with the Indianapolis Fire Department, died at his home last weekend, the department announced Monday.

Birchfield, 81, was just 10 days away from retirement.

An electrician called 9-1-1 on Monday after he arrived at Birchfield's home for a scheduled appointment and got no answer at the door, IFD spokesperson Rita Reith said in a release.

Birchfield was found at his home in southwest Marion County in his recliner wearing his IFD uniform shirt with his radio next to him.

"Rodger was doing what he loved best — waiting on that next run," Reith said.

Birchfield was a self-proclaimed "fire buff" who had been with IFD for more than two decades, Reith said.

He was previously a journalist with The Indianapolis News until the paper closed, in October 1999, and joined IFD a month later. His last run with the department was Thursday.

Birchfield was awarded an IFD Public Safety Service Commendation in 2013 and the State of Indiana State Fire Marshal Meritorious Service Award in 2015.

Outside of his work with IFD, Birchfield wrote "Stutz Fire Engine Company," a book documenting Indiana's history with building fire engines, according to Amazon.

"Rodger’s love of all things fire-related is well documented in each and every photo he takes," Reith said. "His knowledge of the IFD and its storied history is invaluable for anyone trying to connect the present IFD to its historical past."

Birchfield is survived by his wife and three children.

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