Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Daniel Earl Rice

Bethlehem Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Friday, April 25, 1997

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Daniel Earl Rice

Patrolman Rice,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 25, 2022

On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your law enforcement family will always remember. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 25, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 13, 2020

Hey dad! I have been thinking about you a lot lately, and asking for your guidance! The boys are really dong awesome! We talk about you all the time. It is amazing how I see so much of you in them, especially Abe. He has SO much of your personality. We still continue to laugh about your jokes and funny things you did. Continue to look out for us. Still 146 is all around me=) Thanks for that. It helps!
Love you,
Carolyn

Carolyn Meral
daughter

December 11, 2019

I grew up with Danny on 9th Ave. on the West Side. He was a great guy from a nice family. I will always remember his quick wit and sense of humor.

Bob Lund
Friend

April 27, 2018

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 25, 2018

20 years today heaven got a good man Iove you and miss you dad

Son Jonathan Rice
Bethlehem pa

April 25, 2017

Hi dad 20 years that you are not with us. I love you and miss you. Keep looking over us from Heaven

Son Jonathan Rice
Bethlehem pa

April 24, 2017

18 years ago today I got a guardian angel!love you and miss you dad!

Son Jonathan Rice

April 25, 2015

Dear Officer Rice,

It breaks my heart to know that you, along with 5 other Bethlehem Police officers, have been killed while on duty. It makes me tear up to read what your son and daughter have written here, and I can only hope that they are doing well. I know it was more than a decade ago that you were killed, but something like this does not heal, we only learn how to better accept it. Thank you so much for your service. R.I.P.

Erin Northcutt

November 26, 2012

Remembering you and your family as we remember our fallen heroes. My husband was killed exactly one year after Ofc. Rice. I know the pain never goes away, but I pray that your memories bring you peace during this difficult time.

Laura Gibson-Szerokman, Surviving Spouse
of Ofc. Allen W. Gibson, Jr. EOW: 04/25/98

April 27, 2012

RIP Officer Rice your service is not forgotten.

Anonymous

April 25, 2011

Never forgotten Officer Rice.... thank you for your service.

Officer Brian Quinn
City of Bethlehem PD

December 17, 2010

Served with Dan in the 173rd Airborne, RVN, 1968-1969.

Good man - in any weather.

Dennis Stanerson

September 7, 2010

Never forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Officer Brian Quinn
City of Bethlehem PD

April 25, 2010

hi dad

I love you miss you

jonathan d rice
son

November 15, 2009

hi dad

I love you miss you

jonathan d rice
son

November 15, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the 12th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 8 years after you were killed.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 25, 2009

Dear Danny~
I feel compelled to share this...

I was at an appointment getting some papers signed for an impending home sale, when I got to talking with my client. We were discussing police stuff, and the fact that his son is a Police Officer for Lower Saucon Twp, and some of the in and outs of the job, etc. I also told him about the BPYSA, started by Bob, as well as the formation of the FOP Auxillary, which your son is very involved in. Anyway~he offered a donation to the auxillary...and told me the following reason WHY he felt the need to make a donation...

He proceeded to tell me about a pretty bad car accident he had been involved in 11 years ago, where he was rear ended by a car quite violently, and he was knocked out. The accident occurred at the intersection of Catasauqua & Schoenersville Rd. Well, he explained that when he came to, their was a Bethlehem Police Officer at his side. He told me how professional this BPD Officer was, and reassuring, etc. Bottom line~ he thought that Officer did a great job. He couldn't say enough kind words about this Officer. Of course I'm thinking about who it could be, while at the same time thinking how unusual it is to talk to someone who wants to recall the name of an Officer to actually give a compliment!!

He then began to tell me how horrified he was when he saw this Officers picture in the newsapaper just days later. He was saddened that the same Officer who helped him was killed just a mere 2 blocks from where he made an impact on the life of someone else.

It was you he was talking about.

I thanked my client for sharing that story with me. I left with a smile, knowing what a blessing it would be for your family to hear this story. I called your son and told him as I backed out of the driveway.

So, Danny~ 11 years have passed since you were killed in the line of duty...

and you just got an "AT-A-BOY" for a job well done.

Thank You for your service. May you continue to rest in peace. Watch over the BPD. Keep them safe.

Donna Sacco
Wife of Lt. Bob Sacco (#227)

June 11, 2008

Officer Rice (Danny) ~ I'm sorry that you have been taken from service. (I just found out) I remember your words of wisdom spoken to me while I stood crossing guard duty on Pennsylvania Avenue for Rosemont Elementary School back in 1973… You told me to, “Always be alert in all directions at all times…” Good advice Sir, I still follow your advice… It has served me well. Thank you!

Semper Fi,
Michael Basilone

GySgt (Ret)
USMC

June 2, 2008

"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

January 15, 2008

Hi dad, Merry Christmas I wish you were here on earth I love you and miss alot . If you can you get the man up here to make 2008 better . See you love your son Jon

Jonathan D Rice
son

December 25, 2007

Hi dad
I miss you alot.Wish you were still alive so you could see
your grandsons.You are my hero.I hope that i'm a great father like you one day.If you can watch over all of us. There is not a day go by that i not think of you.I know you and Tommy are together as a team.Can you tell God to take it easy on us? I will see you later dad love you and miss you.

HERO LIVE FOREVER
LOVE
JONATHAN

June 18, 2007

Last night some of the guys were talking about how its been 10 years since that day. I never got the chance to meet you, but I have heard many great stories about you from many different officers who knew you well. You were obviously well respected and loved. God Bless you and your family and continue to watch over us. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten!

Ptlm. Brian Quinn
Bethlehem PD

April 26, 2007

Well Danny it's been 10 years already but It seems like yesterday, although I would like to forget that day you will always be a part of my career. Even though I only knew you a short time I believe you left an impression.
God Bless.

Frank

Inv. Frank A. Rossnagle
Bethlehem Police Dept.

April 25, 2007

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