By Mydra Kelly
On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, one of Baton Rouge’s finest was laid to rest at the Winfield Memorial Park Cemetery, BR La. Captain Flora Mae Rogers, a retired East Baton Rouge Police Officer, had her final salute before joining the great precinct in the sky.
Captain Rogers, one of the first Black female officers on the EBRPD, served tirelessly for more than forty years as a civil servant. More than four decades of her life were dedicated as a protector and watchman for the city of Baton Rouge.
She was well-known and loved by public officials, community leaders, and ordinary people. They all appreciated her for not being just another cop, but someone they could depend on in their times of need. This was shown as people from all walks of life gathered and shared memories of this beautiful soul throughout her day of remembrance.
Detective Sherri Harris so eloquently led the Baton Rouge Police Honor guard as they proudly and professionally stood over her remains. These officers stood on guard with pride and dignity in honor of their sister officer as countless former and current Baton Rouge police officers, as well as officers from surrounding areas, came to pay respect and say their last goodbyes to this beautiful courageous woman. Captain Rogers, a three-time cancer survivor, and overcomer of many other battles and challenges of life, turned every one of her tragedies into triumphs. She carried a gun, but her true confidence was in the God she served, and she believed in Him to walk with her every day.
At a time when policing was not just about carrying people off to jail, but about caring for them and making sure that they were safe and that they knew the police were there for them. The Baton Rouge community knew that Captain Rogers and the BRPD had them covered.
Often, Captain Rogers would be seen in the community talking to the children and lovingly steering them in the right direction. Even though sometimes her love was tough, they ran to her police car and not away from it. She patrolled and paid attention to the people on the street. Captain Rogers, or Miss Flo as she was affectionately known by her colleagues, fellow officers, staff, neighbors, and acquaintances, was demonstrating community policing long before it was popular.
Deputy Chief Myron Daniels, who worked closely with Captain Rogers, gave tribute with real and beautiful heartfelt words of love and respect on the behalf of the East Baton Rouge Police Department. The distinguished uniformed officers who acted as pallbearers performed with the integrity and sensitivity that the now Chief Murphy Paul models for all of his officers.
“Baton Rouge Proud” is what the EBRPD exemplified as they honored this 1965 Capital High School graduate, a product of the Baton Rouge public school system. Born and raised in the 70802 in the Eden Park community, and a resident of the 70806 area where she chose to reside so that she could be a gatekeeper of her community. The daughter of the late Lolo and Luella Deon Rogers was a mother to one biological daughter, Kimberly Williams, but a surrogate to many others. She was one of ten siblings whom she loved dearly. Captain Rogers was an officer and a lady of honor. A mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and faithful friend. Flora Mae Rogers was a warrior and a strong, beautiful soul. She was a bright light in Baton Rouge. Her strength, character, faith, and fearlessness shall forever be remembered. Flora was a true gift from God, and she used all her gifts to his glory, a loving heart, a giving spirit, and a strong determination.
Captain Rogers never said goodbye; instead, it was always, “See you later.” So, Captain Flora Mae Rogers, we salute you. Thank you for your service and your many sacred sacrifices for us all. Your presence and your light will be missed by your family, the EBRPD, your community, and this earth in its fullness. We love you. You are gone in body, but your spirit's essence is never forgotten. This is not goodbye, but “See you later.” 10-4 over and out.