Deputy Sheriff George T. Rice

George T. Rice

Deputy Sheriff George Rice was shot and killed while at the scene of a call involving a mentally ill man firing a gun at cars in Smith Valley near the Smith Valley School.

The suspect was barricaded in his house, and Deputy Rice was standing about 20 yards away when the man opened fire, striking Deputy Rice in the head. The suspect was taken into custody during a SWAT operation later in the night.

The suspect pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.

Deputy Rice was a United States Air Force Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Lyon County Sheriff's Office for three years. He previously served with the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, brother, and sister.