I was saddened to hear that Pat Rogers, the uncompromising Marine Chief Warrant Officer and NYPD Sergeant who made a reputation for himself as a first-rate instructor and writer on firearms-related issues, passed on to his final reward yesterday. The following message was posted on Gunsite Academy’s Facebook page yesterday . . .
Sadly this morning we have learned that long time friend and former Gunsite Instructor, Marine, NYPD Detective, and grand trainer Pat Rogers has stepped on the rainbow.
He was one of those folks that they did not break the mold, the beat the mold-maker so it would never happen again.
As Pat would say, “We are diminished.”
With Respect,
Ken Campbell and the Gunsite Staff
A native of Brooklyn, Pat had spent his life working to protect his country against enemies foreign and domestic, serving with the 3rd Marine Division in the Republic of (South) Vietnam and as an officer and detective with the NYPD. He received numerous decorations in both roles. He joined fellow Marine Col. Jeff Cooper at the American Pistol Institute (now Gunsite Academy) for twelve years, striking out on his own in 1989 to form his own training school, EAG Tactical.
Rogers was a regular contributor to publications such as SWAT Magazine, where he wrote about training issues, tactical problems, and engaged in tireless advocacy for Americans’ right to keep and bear arms. It’s fair to state that he proudly wore his political views on his sleeve. Agree or disagree you knew where you stood with him; he was a man unafraid to take a stand and take responsibility for the consequences.
We are indeed diminished by the loss.