Fred Rice Passes Away
Former Chicago Police Superintendent Fred Rice, the first African-American to hold the post, has passed away, the department said tonight. He was 84.
Rice's 32-year police career began in 1955 with the now-defunct Chicago Park District force and culminated with his serving as police superintendent of the Chicago Police Department from 1983 to 1987.
Family members say he succumbed this afternoon to lung cancer after a lengthy battle.
Labels: we got nothing
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
62 Comments:
Get well JS and JK! 2 great kids, hard workers, great coppers, great people.
R.I.P.
Fred was a good guy. The classiest supe in my 26 years on the job.
Remember what his daughter did you guys -- passed over the pension funds to Vaneko to manage. Now, she's bolted to safety at the Harris Bank.
Fried Rice has passed! :(
Condolences to his family and friends. I'm sure, whether he goes up or down in the next life he will still be given the job of obtaining cr numbers and applying bricks to the unwashed masses.
He was my first experience with the word "brick" and for that I am truly thankful.
He is now prolly playing bid whist with John Townsend, big Bill Henry and Mayor Richard the 1st.
Happy trails pardner.
Why is this labeled we got nothing?
I didn't think he was a bad sup, at least he had some good boss and knew how to run the department. He was not like our current asshole who could not make a qualified exempt if his life depended upon it. I remember getting a department commendation and Joey D was my Captain, he wanted to get his picture taken with Fred and the rest of the boys, Fred took one look at Joey D and said "what is this captain doing in this picture and made him step out of the picture. I thought it was funny because Joey D always wanted to be in the spot light and got shut down. Another one bites the dust RIP Fred
At least his son will make a great 36th ward alderman.
I saw Fred Rice support his police officers at several hostile community meetings. Much more than j-fled has ever done. RIP Boss.
Fried Rice will never die.
Great guy...he will be missed. R.I.P., old friend.
I was around when he was Chief of Patrol and then Superintendnet. He was a fine leader, probably the best superintendent in the last 30 years with the exception of Rochford. No one else, in my estimation has come close to him.
84 years is a good pull.
R.I.P. Fred....
Sorry to hear of his passing. RIP
See ya!
R.I.P.
Fred rice was a smart guy, and a fine public servant.
R.I.P.
Will our present Supt. Weis make a Statement regarding the death of former Supt. Rice ? Guess not, Weis never knew Supt Rice because Weis was never a graduate of the Police Acamedy and never came up the ranks as a Police Officer. Supt Rice was a rank and file Police Officer with many positions within the Dept. before being the Supt. RIP, Supt Rice.
There probably aren't too many readers of this blog that worked for Supt Rice. I met him once while I was riding the elevator up to gun court in the old HQ bldg at 1121 S State. He was cordial as we small-talked and seemed like a regular guy.
R.I.P. Fred, back in the day Fred was a pretty classy Supt. Totally unlike Jody P. "Kelso " Weiss...
The former park district guys had all the clout
OT, but speaking of the Superintendent's office:
This was pulled from the Shields website. Mike Shields wants:
FOP Liaison in the Superintendent’s Office
As management changes in our department, new policies are implemented without any input from FOP. Many times, these new policies violate the current contract causing the City to have to change back to their old policy. The Shields Team would like someone from the department appointed by the Superintendent as a liaison between the department and the union-outside of Management and Labor Affairs. This is a win-win for both the Department and the FOP. This position will foster the mutual cooperation between the Superintendent’s Office and the FOP to better serve the membership and the City.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Well, duuhhh. His pick for 1st VP is ALREADY IN THE FUCKING SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE. Who is his campaign manager? Deb Kirby? J-Fed?
Fred Rice was my DC in 002 & 007, and I crossed paths with him many times years later at HQ. He always said hello and stopped to talk. Again, years later, after 9/11, he told me that he had a slow-growing lung cancer that would eventually finish him, and he added with a chuckle, if something else did not get him first.
Fred Rice was a gentleman and he was not a hater. He did not play the Hillard and Cline games. He was a good and decent man. RIP sir.
R.I.P. Didn't know him but God Bless Him and his CPD Family
Worked for Fred in Englewood. If you worked he took care of you if you didn't, Black or White, he didn't.
Fred Rice was a good superintendent and a decent guy. I worked for him in Area 4 and saw him number of other times later. He would always stop and saw hello and would actually remember your name. You young guys should have such a competent man in charge instead of the idiot and his band of goofs that are there now.
He was one of my instructors at UIC years ago. Helped out coppers who were in his class-nice person. Condolences to his family.
After Harold Washington got elected Mayor, Rice handpicked some younger white cops to stand in crowds at some public events. There was a whole lot of tension around in those days and Superintendent Rice wanted some guys who could blend into the crowds while not being in uniform.
My older brother was one of those cops based on Rice knowing one of our uncles from the Park District department.
My brother says Rice was a gentlemen and always treated him well. He also said he was incredibly bright.
He also says Harold Washington was funny as hell. At that point my brother had a full head of red hair and Mayor Washington would often play a game with him of "spot the Mick". Washington apparently had a fascination of trying to figure out how to spot Irish faces. Probably came from years of living under the Daley One political machine.
After an event he'd often ask my brother if some person at the event was Irish. My brother said Washington could never quite figure out how to spot the mick and it became a running joke. Washington would point out someone obviously not white or Irish and my brother would try for some smartass remark.
In any case I had no dealings with Superintendent Rice, but he took over the department during a rough time and did a good job. That's not a bad epitath.
Worked for Fred Rice when he was a Sgt. in Area 4 Burglary. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. RIP
Yes, you said it all, so much better than Hillard and cline, and Martin, all who played politics as intense as it came and sold many a good man and women down the drain and had trouble telling the truth. They were very vindictive. I worked for Rice and thought him a decent person who did not have a racist bone. You had to be a worker who kept his nose clean. Where are these bosses today? I am retired, but i did work with some of the exempts today and I cannot think of one who could fill the shoes of Rice or who had his class
He was a good boss. R.I.P.
As a long term resident of the city and not a cop, I only knew Fred Rice by his public persona. As a citizen, I always thought he was a good man and as a citizen, I always thought he broght honor to the CPD. So to Fred and his family, rest in peace and thoughts and prayers for him and his family. The years he was the Super were good years for me and my family too.
A class act. None finer since.
Fred Rice was the best and fairest police superintendent we've had in the last thirty years--a class act.
The treacherous Richard Brzeczek, the corrupt LeRoy Martin and the clueless, lying coward J-Fled easily qualify as the most despised superintendents, not necessarily in that order.
Joseph DiLeonardi was no prize either. Right, "Joe D"?
Rest in Peace, Fred Rice.
P.S.: Dave (6:44 AM)
I can't imagine why Fred would put a "brick" on you. In my experience, he really appreciated the most outstanding coppers. We must discuss this privately at a later date.
Bless you Supt. Rice, a class act.
What Shields or whoever should offer, as a budget cutting gesture, is have a retired PO as the liaison, save benefits and pay about $25,000 a year as a part time consultant. Good deal, hard to pass up.
I have a Masters Degree in LEA and am retired and ever so smart, contact me, Babe.
I worked for DC Rice in 002 awhile back. He was very friendly and most fair. He used to see me working into the morning from working midnites and soon remebered my name. He never forgot my name. Years later I ran into his at a restaurant having lunch after he had retired. He still greeted me by name. A complete class act and true gentleman. Supt Rice never saw colorn he saw workers and dogs. RIP Boss. -jimmy an old white guy now
Old Retired Guy Here.
Worked under Fred Rice, when he was DC of the Old 011th. District. Fillmore.
Rest In Peace Sir.
Anonymous said...
84 years is a good pull.
R.I.P. Fred....
1/11/2011 09:52:00 AM
Tell that to the guy that just turned 83.
What Shields or whoever should offer, as a budget cutting gesture, is have a retired PO as the liaison, save benefits and pay about $25,000 a year as a part time consultant. Good deal, hard to pass up.
I have a Masters Degree in LEA and am retired and ever so smart, contact me, Babe.
1/11/2011 05:47:00 PM
Hey Pal, didn't you see the Shields "platform"? Shields says he already negotiated a contract with old management favorite Pat Camden to work for FOP. This arrogant prick hasn't even been elected and he's already handing out jobs to the connected. Call him. He'll probly give you an FOP contact. (if your daddy is a boss or you have some other clout).
RIP Boss.
Never worked under Fred Rice, but I offer his family and friends my sincere sympathy.
God rest his soul.
Fred Rice was a good man as a Sergeant and as a Superintendent who ran the Department well and never played the race card. What more can be said? R.I.P.
Early in my career I was involved in a shooting. While I was in the station afterwards I was called to the desk by the Sgt. He handed me the phone and told me the Supt. wanted to speak with me. It was Fred Rice. He had called to speak with my partner and I. The first thing he asked was whether I was alright and told me I had done a good job. He then told me if I needed anything I should feel free to call him. I now am just short of 29 and a day and still think he was the best. R.I.P. Boss.
To the Family, sorry for your loss.
Hopefully the gold stars will conduct themselves better than at Sgt. Janella "Kitty" Freeman's funeral. Three of them came in after the St. Jude service and bum rushed thru the packed crowd,shoving people out of their way! They were Ball,Skahill and Stanley. I thought Ball & Skahill had better manners,but I guess not.
As a original member of the Royal Order Of Ghetto Gladiators 002, Former Superintendant Rice was our Commander before he left and went to 007. As a Commander he treated everyone fair and took care of his working Police, you cant ask for more than that, he was a Class Act. R.I.P. Boss. You have been, and will be missed.
A disgrace that S.Times had picture of psycho on front page today and not this man. Then again, what would I or anyone expect? My deepest regrets to the Rice Family. He was an honourable man.
Anonymous said...
84 years is a good pull.
R.I.P. Fred....
1/11/2011 09:52:00 AM
Tell that to the guy that just turned 83.
1/11/2011 07:36:00 PM
Tell that to the guy soon to turn 85.
RIP Superintendent Rice.
R.I.P. Superintendent Fred Rice. My condolences to his family.
My personal experience with Superintendent Rice was limited, as I was just a recruit back then - the first class under the Washington administration (85-1A).
Still, I have a humorous Fred Rice story to share...
After the graduation ceremony, we were all taking pictures. I asked the Superintendent if he would pose for a picture with my wife and myself. "I would be happy to", he said.
With the dark and dry sense of humor that I am sometimes noted for...
While standing next to him for the picture, I looked down and brushed off the four stars on his shoulder with my white-gloved hand.
Jokingly, I said, "No offense sir, but hopefully one day I will be wearing those stars."
Without missing a beat, he chuckled and said, "Son, by the time you get these stars - I'll be dead and buried... heh heh heh."
The picture was then snapped.
Immediately afterward, he turned, shook my hand, and said, "Make sure you get that college... college is very, very important."
25 years later...
I never forgot those words he said to me. I went to college, obtaining both an undergrad and a masters degree.
As for those stars...
Perhaps the fantasy of a rookie police officer... My professional reality has played out much differently... and quite unexpected as of late. LOL
The only "gold" I envision in my future will perhaps be a retirement watch... which I am in no hurry to receive.
God bless you Fred Rice. In my eyes you were a true gentleman and a good Superintendent... with a healthy sense of humor.
Thank you for your service.
I was on the tactical team in 007 when he became D.C. there. When he came in, we thought that we would all get dumped. He treated us great and always looked out for the working guys. He was the real police and that's who he wanted working for him. Later, when he was Supt., I bumped into him in an elevator at 1121 S. State St. He talked to me like he was just another one of the guys. He was a gentleman.
I'll miss you, boss.
To the Family, sorry for your loss.
Hopefully the gold stars will conduct themselves better than at Sgt. Janella "Kitty" Freeman's funeral. Three of them came in after the St. Jude service and bum rushed thru the packed crowd,shoving people out of their way! They were Ball,Skahill and Stanley. I thought Ball & Skahill had better manners,but I guess not.
Many people came in hurriedly from PO Wortham's star ceremony unsure where the line began because people leaving mingled with people coming in. When I saw them , they were standing in line at the back of the room waiting to greet the family. I'm glad so many people came out for Kitty. It was a fine tribute for such a fine person.
I have made a few comments on this topic and after reading all those posted, I can only say, " The Chicago Police Department need a leader of the caliber of Fred Rice and they need this now" Where are they going to get him/her? Does someone like Rice exist in the ranks of the CPD at this moment? Or, can he/her be found leading a large city police department somewhere in this country. I thinkthe next mayor needs to put politics and control and race and gender aside and conduct a true search for an urban police leader that has proven themselves who would be willing to come to Chicago and lead and manage the department without interference from city hall. Yes, the next mayor should publically guarentee no political interference, no cronyism, no nepotism and no corruption in the command ranks of the Chicago Police Department. Time for transperancy. Then, I woke up from my dream and found myself in the real world and wrote this comment.
Reminds me of Henry J. Edigar, best man I ever worked for.
A real decent man, if you worked in 002, 007,003,011, 005, 010 he liked you even more, he knew that's where you found the real police.
Fred Rice was a hemorrhoid! That's right: It takes one to know one!
While commander of Fillmore, he told my partner and I to lay off a drug dealer. "Quit with the street stops," he told us. We ignored him and the next street stop produced a "hot rod" (that's a stolen gun to you youngsters).
"FRIED RICE" (as we affectionately referred to him) was not happy. The arrest did get us transfered to Task Force, which is what we wanted. We just didn't want it in Area One. A long, long time ago: 1969/1970. Turned out to be a good place!
Anyway, with Fried Rice's death I would normally say there is a God! But the mere fact that he was born tells me there is no God.
His being alive was a waste of pension money! Keep the fire hot in Hades, Fred. Soon I'll be there with ya!! There ain't enough priests or penance to get me into heaven.
Damn it, I don't miss the circus but I sure do miss the clowns!!
He was a whole brickyard full of bricks on guys. He NEVER forgot a slight. Humorless.
he was not all that
Anonymous said...
84 years is a good pull.
R.I.P. Fred....
1/11/2011 09:52:00 AM
Tell that to the guy that just turned 83.
1/11/2011 07:36:00 PM
Hey, when you have family mambers dying before 65.......... 84 is a damned good pull
Will our present Supt. Weis make a Statement regarding the death of former Supt. Rice ? Guess not, Weis never knew Supt Rice because Weis was never a graduate of the Police Acamedy and never came up the ranks as a Police Officer. Supt Rice was a rank and file Police Officer with many positions within the Dept. before being the Supt. RIP, Supt Rice.
Jody asked for a moment of silence before today's award ceremony for Fred.
Fred Rice must have been good. Almost universal praise here.
For an exempt.
RIP Superintedent Rice.
You apparently made a positive difference.
went to the funeral. Shortshanks showed up late. Weiss called him fred weis in his hurried speech. Also said "our city", sorry boss...you are not from here....it's not your city.
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