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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
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Rodger Birchfield Obituary
Camby - Rodger James Birchfield, 81, Camby, Assistant Public Information Officer and Historian of the Indianapolis Fire Department, passed away unexpectedly December 21, 2020. Rodger was a true public servant and fire historian, born September 30, 1939, in Danville, Illinois. He was ten days from his long-awaited retirement, when he was found resting peacefully in his recliner.
He was a reporter for many years for the Indianapolis News, retiring in 1999. When the newspaper closed, there happened to be a paid position available with IFD. This made way for a dream job for Rodger; as he put it, "I get paid to chase fire engines." He was a long-time member of the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, Dalmatian Club of Indianapolis, the Professional Car Society of Indiana, and the Indianapolis Fire Buffs. Rodger was a founder member of PPPSI, Pompier, Pump & Playpipe Society of Indiana. He was also a member of and officer of SPAAMFAA, Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America. A published author, Rodger wrote the following books: Stutz Fire Engine Co. Indianapolis, New Stutz Fire Apparatus Co. Inc. Hartford City, IND, Stutz Fire Engine Company Commemorative Edition, Indianapolis Fire Department: 1993-2007, and Boyer Fire Apparatus, Fire Equipment and Fire Department Supplies. In 2013 Rodger Birchfield was awarded an IFD Public Safety Service Commendation. In 2015 He was awarded the State of Indiana State Fire Marshal Meritorious Service Award.
Rodger was one of three sons, including Charles and Raymond.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Janice (Forrester) Birchfield; children, Heather (Keith) Ellis, Sacha Yaden, and Justin Birchfield; three grandchildren, Brittany (Cameron) Hancock, Mackenzie (Bryce) Coburn, and Kirsten (Daniel) Birchfield; four great grandchildren, Eleanor, Isabella, Brecken James, and Silas.
Visitation will be Monday, January 4, 2021, 4 to 7 p.m., at Mt. Gilead Church, 6019 East State Road 144, Mooresville. The funeral service will be held at the church, Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 10 a.m. The service will be live streamed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/carlislebranson/. Cremation will follow at the Morgan County Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to SPAAMFAA National Archives, in memory of Rodger Birchfield, 5808 Chancellor Lane, Morrow, OH. 45152-8967. Carlisle - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodger Birchfield
5 Entries
Abigail
January 13, 2025
Hey great grandpapa it's me Abby they didn't put me in this I miss you
Steven Prange
January 4, 2025
You're missed every day, old friend.
Jack Hess
January 4, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the Birchfield family. I worked alongside Rodger at the Indianapolis News for more than 20 years. He was a good reporter who had built up reliable news sources all over the state. Ever respectful and polite, he was the same "Birchie" from the first day I met him to the last time I saw him – which, not surprisingly, was at the scene of a fire. Rest in peace, old friend.
Skip Hess
January 1, 2021
We have two words for each other, Rodger Dodger; wood eye.
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Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory39 E High Street, Mooresville, IN 46158
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