Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It has been almost 39 years since you left us. I have learned in my 53 years on this earth that everything happens for a reason. No one understood why you were taken from us so soon when it happened but I now understand. Shawn and I would not be who we are today if your accident did not occur. We love you and miss you everyday and try our best to make you proud.

Shannon RIce Webb
Daughter

April 15, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Rice, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 27, 2019

RIP Deputy Sheriff Donald Earl Rice. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

It is time that we increase the mandatory penalties for DUI related Homicides!

I Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw at the flesh of your murderer and his spawn for eternity.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston,TX

December 11, 2015

Deputy Donald e. Rice was a true professional Law Officer. He knew what common sense judgement was and when to apply the letter of the law, and when to offer an option to either victim or offender. He was a terrific father and husband and my best friend! He died doing what he swore to do Protect and Serve.

Robert h. Swafford
Life long friend

August 2, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 10, 2011

As a new young deputy sheriff, I was able to learn much from you. You were truly a "good guy", a good cop and still are missed.

Sgt. Joe Brown, Lansing Police Departmen
Former Eaton Co. Deputy Sheriff

December 10, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 6, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 14, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Rice, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.

7 1/2-15 years is not a just sentance. Your murderer chose to drink and drive; you were doing your job. As far as I'm concerned, your murderer should be put behind bars for the rest of their natural life.

Continue to watch over your family; rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 26, 2007

It is with my deepest repect that I am dedicating my first Novel to Don. He always encouraged my writing and I know that he has helped me spiritually direct my crime story as it unfolded.
Don was in my opinion what Law Enforcement Officers every where stand for, the helping human quality that comes from dedicated public service.
Bob Swafford

Robert H. Swafford Author
Life long Friend

February 2, 2007

You are a true hero. God will keep you in the palm of his hands for eternity. Rest easy!

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 18, 2006

I was 9 when my parents told me that you had been killed...too young to fully comprehend what really happened. Thanks for all you did. You would be proud of your kids! From what I understand, Shawn is a very fine trooper.

Ryan Parr
U.S. Park Service

December 15, 2005

Rest in peace DS Rice. You have never been forgotten.
I was glad to read that your daughters are doing well.
Thank you for your service.

Maryland Police Officer

December 10, 2005

It's December 10, 2004, and very hard to believe that it's been 19 years since that dark day that we lost Don to a drunk driver. Don was a good cop, a hard worker and a joy to have around the squad room. His two beautiful daughters have become wonderful adults, one a Michigan State Trooper and the other a teacher. I know Don smiles down on them from above.
You are still missed, my friend, and thought of often.

Sheriff Patrick Hutting (ret.)
Eaton County Sheriff Dept.

December 10, 2004

As you now know, Jesus Loves You! So do we.

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond,Va Police

September 30, 2003

Rest in Peace, Deputy Rice. You will not be forgotten.

Anonymous