Marine Deputy Thomas Ernest Rice

Marine Deputy Thomas Ernest Rice

Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

End of Watch Thursday, May 23, 2002

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Thomas Ernest Rice

Marine Deputy Thomas Rice was killed in a helicopter accident at 1600 hours while conducting a search and rescue mission for an elderly woman who was believed to have drowned in the Rogue River.

A local pilot offered his services and helicopter to conduct the search and Deputy Rice accompanied him. During the search, the helicopter struck a wire just downstream from the O-K Corral used to ferry supplies across the river.

Deputy Rice's mother-in-law, Police Matron Alice Moran, was killed in an on-duty airplane accident on November 17, 1971, while serving with the Josephine County Sheriff's Department.

Deputy Rice had been employed with the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for nine years, and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Aircraft accident

Most Recent Reflection

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28 years later and I still remember your presence at the academy. You warm spirit and easy laugh. Miss you brother.

Mike Francis
PPB-Academy Mate

May 28, 2021

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