Eddy Rice was honored Wednesday as the longest running sheriff in Okmulgee County history - 18 years and one day. It took a fabricated âmeetingâ and a well-timed truck repair, along with the assistance of his wife Valerie, to get the sheriff to the Okmulgee County Courthouse where he was surprised with two special presentations.
Eddy Rice was honored Wednesday as the longest running sheriff in Okmulgee County history – 18 years and one day.
It took a fabricated ‘meeting’ and a well-timed truck repair, along with the assistance of his wife Valerie, to get the sheriff to the Okmulgee County Courthouse where he was surprised with two special presentations. On hand were supporters, county employees, courthouse staff, former sheriffs, and law enforcement representing city and other counties as well, who gave him a standing ovation.
Undersheriff Fred McGuire, who has served with Rice since his first day, spearheaded the recognition event.
“Thank you all for coming today,” he said to the packed audience.
The record for the longest service had been held by Sheriff Ellis Holly, who served from 1953 to 1971. (See related article from the Okmulgee Daily Times archives.)
Senator Roger Thompson made a trip from Oklahoma City to read a proclamation from the Oklahoma State Senate.
“Congratulations … Sheriff Rice is respected throughout Okmulgee County on many levels and for many reasons, including his honesty, his readiness, his compassion for others … his commitment to upholding the law and maintaining a safe environment for all the citizens of Okmulgee County,” Thompson read. “It is our pleasure to celebrate him … and extends this citation and direct it be presented.”
The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Department presented Rice with a commemorative plaque marking this momentous occasion.
“This record is a testament to his relentless and faithful service to the citizens of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma,” McGuire stated.
The moment left Sheriff Rice speechless, but he also wanted to recognize McGuire as being the longest serving undersheriff under one administration.
“Without you, there is no me,” Mc-Guire said.
“This was a surprise,” Rice said. “I just want to thank each and every one of you for coming. God, this means a lot … I’m kind of speechless for once. I appreciate you all, and there is no way I could have done this without each and every one of you all. Every single person here has contributed to me being here … It’s a really good thing to make it this long, and I hope I can be here longer … I’m not retiring.”
Rice took office Jan. 4, 2005. He began his career with the OCSO in 1996, but his law enforcement career actually started as a reserve officer working for Creek Nation Lighthorse and Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office. He worked as an officer for the Beggs Police Dept. and one year as a school Resource Officer for Okmulgee Public Schools. Rice chose county law enforcement and joined the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office as a full time jailer/dispatcher in 1996 when the sheriff ’s office operated the jail.
