Colonel Thomas W. Rice, the division's tenth superintendent, assumed the superintendency with a wide background and sensitivity to the many issues facing the modern law enforcement administrator.

Born June 7, 1939, in Chillicothe, Colonel Rice grew up the member of a law enforcement-oriented family. His father, George Rice, was the Chief of Police in Chillicothe. He was educated in Chillicothe Schools, and after graduation from Chillicothe High School in 1957, studied education at Wilmington College.

Colonel Rice began his Patrol service in April 1960 as a cadet dispatcher at Chillicothe, and entered the 55th Academy Class the following September. After receiving his commission, Colonel Rice was assigned to the Dayton Post, then transferred to the Hartman Farms Academy as an instructor. He also served at West Jefferson before receiving a promotion to corporal and transfer to Xenia in 1967. He assumed command of the Hamilton Post with his 1969 promotion to sergeant, a rank he held for one month before being elevated to lieutenant as a part of one of the largest mass promotions in Patrol history.

After a two-year assignment at Hamilton and a nine-month enrollment at the Northwestern University's Traffic Institute, Colonel Rice transferred to the Academy, where he received promotions to the ranks of staff lieutenant and captain. He served as the Academy executive officer in 1975, then three years as the Academy commander, during which time seven Academy Classes (100 through 106) completed training. As an extension of his many years in training, Colonel Rice accepted command of the Recruitment section in 1979, a position he held for three years. During this time he developed the innovative CARRS computer system to track recruitment efforts and fulfill complicated reporting requirements. He later commanded the Columbus district prior to receiving a promotion to major and assignment as Personnel Commander in 1985.

When he assumed the superintendency on May 18, 1989, Colonel Rice brought to the office the most extensive educational background of any previous superintendent. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminology, as well as two masters degrees, one in public administration and the other in labor and human resources, each from The Ohio State University. Colonel Rice earned each of his degrees while working full time and managing his demanding Patrol assignments.

During the planning and implementation of the division's first labor contract, Colonel Rice worked hand-in-hand with labor and management officials in an effort to secure a working agreement which was beneficial to all concerned parties. Later, his skills as a negotiator were of monumental importance as a member of a team which worked face-to-face with leaders of rioting inmates at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility.

An advocate of proactive management techniques, Colonel Rice oversaw the development of the division's first Strategic Plan, a blueprint clearly defining the Patrol's goals well into the future. Gleaning the input of hundreds of Patrol employees from all ranks and classifications, he led a team of concerned and devoted employees in a nonstop, two-day session which developed the foundation and direction of that first plan.

As an extension of the division's CIN (Confiscate Il legal Narcotics) program, drug-detection dogs were obtained and assigned to cover known drug routes on Ohio highways. In addition, Colonel Rice directed the placement of Traffic and Drug Interdiction Teams (TDIT) which, strategically placed around the state, have made Ohio one of the most feared states for criminals transporting illegal drugs.

Concerned for the well being of his officers in light of growing firepower on the streets, Colonel Rice included an "Officer Safety Package" in the division's 1992/93 budget, enabling the purchase of upgraded weaponry, body armor, and handcuffs. With these acquisitions came the first-ever mandatory body armor use policy. The demands of modern policing also led to the modernization of the Patrol's Special Response Team, a vital component of division preparedness.

Other innovative enforcement advances initiated under Colonel Rice include: the creation of a crash reconstruction unit recognized as one of the best and most advanced in computer technology; the establishment of a multiple-offender DUI program and a toll-free hot line to report dangerous drivers; and the introduction of new technology, such as laser speed detectors and enhanced computer usage to further the capabilities of his officers and support personnel.

Victims, too, have benefited greatly from the superintendency of Colonel Rice. His diligent work was honored by the Ohio Attorney General when Colonel Rice received the Law Enforcement Silver Star for his outstanding efforts to assure victims are afforded ample opportunity to access programs designed to assist them.

Colonel Rice's knowledge and experience in the training process for police officers resulted in his selection as Chairman of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council. The first active superintendent of the Patrol to attain the position, Colonel Rice was instrumental in the development of the Council's first strategic plan. The Ohio Expositions Commission honored Colonel Rice's many years of service at the Ohio State Fair when he was inducted in the Ohio State Fair's Hall Of Fame in 1979.

Colonel Rice's forward thinking and able leadership has assured the division's growth and development into the 21st Century. His contributions to the rich heritage of the Ohio State Highway Patrol shall remain in evidence for many years.