Today Marks 20 Years Since the Passing of Rockford's Det. Rice

August 3rd 2021 marks 20 years since the passing of Rockford Police Department Detective Kevin Darrell Rice Sr.

For those of you not familiar with the story, here it is:

Detective Kevin Rice was shot and killed while investigating suspicious activity in his sister's neighborhood while he was off duty.
He was returning from his new home, which was under construction, to his sister's home at approximately 1:30 am when he observed two suspicious men. He turned his vehicle around and drove up to them to investigate what they were doing. One of the men immediately pulled out a .380 semi-automatic handgun and shot Detective Rice six times in the chest. He was found with his foot still on the brake pedal.

Hard to believe this has been 20 years. I can remember walking into my old newsroom across town and seeing a picture of Det. Rice on our News Directors desk, everyday.

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Detective Rice was beloved and respected not only by the Rockford Police Department, but by the community.

I've been following the journey of Detective Rice's brother Elmer, of Facebook. As Elmer still grieves he is finding unique ways to pay tribute the badge #157 and most importantly, his brother.

Here is the video that the Rockford Police Department has put together to pay tribute, and honor Detective Kevin Rice. Take a moment to watch, share, and hug your loved ones today.

Blessed are the Peacekeepers.

We shall NEVER Forget.