Sgt. Rice Retiring at Tyler Police Department

TYLER – A ceremony Monday afternoon marked the retirement of a Tyler policeman with nearly 40 years on the job. Sgt. Gary Rice joined the police department in May, 1977. His first 28 years were in the patrol division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1981. His commendations include Certificate of Merit, and a Meritorious Conduct award for his part responding to a bank robbery and was vital in blocking the suspect’s escape. He received a Police Commendation as one of multiple officers who responded to the courthouse shooting in February 2005. Sgt. Rice received a lifesaving award in 2011 for his dedication to locate a suicidal caller. Sgt. Rice was named Supervisor of the year in 2008.

In 2005, he was transferred to the Community Response Unit to supervisor the CRO officers. With that unit, Sgt. Rice was responsible for many outreach opportunities in the city as well as organizing the yearly Texans Against Crime Night Out. Other activities included sponsoring Community and Church events to develop relationships with community leaders and hear concerns of their neighborhoods.