Rod Wanamaker was the grandson of the founder of the department store chain that bears the family name. He was educated at Haverford School in Pennsylvania, and later studied abroad. Wanamaker was largely responsible for the introduction of the use of helicopters by the New York Police Department. Serving as an aviation aide, with the title of deputy police commissioner, he convinced Mayor La Guardia of the value of helicopters to the city. Wanamaker had been a pilot in World War I, later ran a flying school for policemen, and in World War II handled a number of assignments as a navy commander.
As a polo player Wanamaker rated a 7-goal handicap and was a member of the Great Neck team which won the 1921 US Open. Wanamaker played on winning teams at the Coronation, Villavieja Century, and Whitney Cups in England.
