Rodger is most remembered for his love of chasing fires and being the man behind the camera. Rodger joined the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) after retiring from the Indianapolis News in 1999. 

For the 21 years he was employed by the IFD, he answered the call for service by being at every possible incident involving the IFD, photographing firefighters in action or highlighting the apparatus on scene. Rodger’s passion for all things fire related went past the photos he took, including the knowledge of IFD history he had acquired over the years.

Rodger’s expertise in fire service made him nationally renowned as a published author, his books including: Stutz Fire Engine Company Indianapolis; New Stutz Fire Apparatus Co. Inc. Hartford City, IND; Stutz Fire Engine Company Commemorative Edition, Indianapolis Fire Department: 1993-2007; Boyer Fire Apparatus; and Fire Equipment and Fire Department Supplies.

 His passion for all things fire also led him to serve many roles in fire-related organizations, such as the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Dalmatian Club of Indianapolis, the Professional Car Society of Indiana, and the Indianapolis Fire Buffs. Rodger was also a founding member of the Pompier, Pump & Playpipe Society of Indiana (PPPSI), as well as a member and officer of the Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFA).

As a result of his love for fire, he amassed a collection of apparatus including a 1927 Magirus Aerial Ladder, 1920 Stutz 600 GPM, 1920 Stutz 750, 1921 Stutz 750 GPM, 1921 Ahrens-Fox — as well as the 1927 American LaFrance Fire Engine IFD Water Tower No. 13.

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