Roger Dale Cummins

Roger Dale Cummins, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 surrounded by his children. To the great frustration of his living siblings, Roger was quicker to reunite with their late father Oscar B. Cummins, mother Betty J. (Spicher) Cummins, brother Robert W Cummins, half-brothers Randy Dean, John Cummins and Danny Cummins.

Survivors to cherish his memory are his ex-wife, Angel Niedzielski, and their five children, Lauren Cummins of Pageland, SC, Jordan (Arianna) Cummins of South Haven, Gabrielle (Lucas Ripmaster) Cummins of Kalamazoo, Mason Cummins of South Haven and Cayden Cummins of Kalamazoo; his granddaughter Carmen Cummins; his sister Ruthie Hurtado of Hamilton; his half-brother, Chris (Charity) Cummins of Gobles and half-sister, Bonnie (Earnie Durfee) Cummins of Bald Knob, AR. As well as several other half-siblings, step siblings, nieces and nephews. Equally important to Roger are his surviving brothers and sisters in Blue, co-workers and friends at the Bangor Fire Department, Bangor Police Department and Hartford Police Department.

Roger was born in Watervliet, Michigan on June 4, 1958 to Oscar and Betty (Spicher) Cummins. Roger was a 1977 graduate from Hartford High School. He successfully completed the Fire Academy and Police Academy and went on to start his heroic 25 year long career as a dedicated public servant.

During the early 1980s Roger began his professional career at Bangor Police Department where he was a Patrolman. During the 1990s Roger began his professional career at Bangor Fire Department as a firefighter and later became acting fire chief, where he also successfully completed the Rescue Dive Team training and assisted the surrounding areas as needed. He would also participate in the fire safety programs with the schools, teaching kids fire safety and prevention. With a change in leadership in the police department, Roger decided it was time to move on from Bangor Police Department in 2000 where he began as a patrolman at Lawrence Police Department. Facing the dissolution of the department a few months later he began his journey at the Hartford Police Department in 2001. In 2003, Roger gained his devoted partner, Potter and became the one and only drug and explosive detecting K9 officer for Hartford. He loved the work he did, he was proud to serve his community, and he cared deeply about his best friend and Chief Ramon Beltran, his co-workers, and his friends there. In 2007 he decided to retire due to medical reasons, the department also retired Potter as well. Roger retired but still remained a hero to many.

Roger found joy in many things. When he wasn't patrolling the streets and fighting fires he was happiest spending time with his kids, reminiscing about calls and events he encountered. His notorious phrase "grab your shoes you're going to jail" was joked about frequently and he made sure to teach his kids self defense and every pressure point location in the books. Roger volunteered with the various clubs and sports his children were involved in; Whether it was coaching his kids AYSO soccer teams or Little League TeeBall, bringing his trusted partner Potter to his Girls Scout of America troop meetings, or being the Den leader for his son's Boy Scouts of America troop where countless hours were spent making the wooden derby cars (He had to ensure they would be fast enough to win the race, of course!) to camping survival skills. His persistent and persuading salesman tactics for selling the most Girl Scout cookies or Boy Scouts popcorn tins were taught and mastered. He made sure to be involved with supporting all his kids' dreams and aspirations to ensure they succeeded in all things they pursued. Roger also enjoyed spending his free time sitting on a lake or river where he could fish, sit out in the sun listening to the oldies, classic rock and country music, enjoying the peace and beauty of God's handiwork. He was particularly drawn to bird watching and looking for cardinals, as he knew they were loved ones who were promoted to guardian angels watching over him and his family.

As a father, Roger served as a deeply committed, constant and unbreakable rock for his children to lean on and showed unconditional love. He taught his children to love and to serve others humbly, to always seek understanding, and to persevere in all things.

Throughout this last year especially, Roger expressed an overwhelming and new appreciation for the preciousness of the life God gave him; he counted his blessings over and over, and he expressed deep gratitude for each one especially his children. Roger wanted nothing more than to share his memories, experiences and reflect the love he had for his life and the people in it before he passed. He was rewarded with angels lifting him to his eternal home, comforted by the fact that we know he was never alone.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:23.

The family will meet friends and family on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 2-3 PM at the Filbrandt Chapel, Starks Family Funeral Home in South Haven, with funeral services beginning at 3:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Dinner in South Haven will follow…details will be provided the day of the service. According to his wishes, cremation will take place prior to the services.

Those wishing to share a memory of Roger may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.