When you sit down with Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddy Rice, one thing is immediately clear – this is a man who values integrity, service, and staying true to his principles. With nearly three decades in law enforcement and 20 years as sheriff, Rice has built a career rooted in duty, leadership and a firm belief in doing the right thing, no matter how difficult.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Sheriff Rice for our Meet the Officers series, and our conversation was nothing short of insightful. From his early inspirations to his thoughts on leadership and faith, Rice offered a candid look into his life, both as a sheriff and as a man dedicated to his community.
— A Fast-Paced Climb to Leadership
Rice didn’t always see himself sitting in the sheriff ’s chair. His law enforcement journey began in the early 90s when he returned to Oklahoma after living in Spokane, Washington. Inspired by watching Cops on TV, he felt there was room for improvement in law enforcement and decided he could be the change he wanted to see.
“I thought one person could make a difference,” he recalled.
That decision led him to join the Lighthorse Police as a volunteer, followed by a move to the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office (OCSO). His rise through the ranks was swift—starting as a jailer in 1996, he worked his way up to deputy, sergeant, investigator, undersheriff, and eventually, sheriff.
“It was a very fast career because so many people had left, and nobody wanted to pick up the reins,” Rice explained.
Through it all, he credits his success to his ability to adapt and his willingness to take on responsibilities that others might have shied away from.
— The Reality of a Sheriff’s Day-to-Day
Many might assume that a sheriff ’s job consists of routine paperwork and the occasional high-profile case, but Rice quickly debunked that notion.
“There’s no two days that are the same,” he said. “I wake up with a mindset of what I want to get done, but it always changes.”
From handling community concerns to dealing with unexpected emergencies, his job requires constant flexibility. While tragedy is part of the role, Rice also sees plenty of moments that remind him why he chose this path.
“You’re amazed every single day,” he said. “You just don’t understand how far people can go with silly rhetoric and nonsense – it’s very entertaining. But at the same time, you have tragedy, you have hardship, and you have to be prepared for all of it.”
One of the most rewarding aspects? Seeing people change for the better. Rice recalled moments when individuals he had arrested in the past later came back to thank him for setting them on the right path.
“That kind of means more than anything else,” he shared.
— Leading with Principles & Accountability As a sheriff, Rice is clear about what he expects from his deputies: integrity, accountability, and a servant’s heart.
“If you cheat on your wife, you’re fired,” he stated bluntly. “I have no respect for that.”
He also refuses to allow a union within the department, explaining that he values personal responsibility and expects his deputies to uphold a standard of conduct that earns public trust.
“Your conduct reflects whether you have a job or not,” he said. “You’re given a torch, and you either carry it or pass it to someone who will. You can’t drop it.”
This level of accountability extends to his leadership style, where he ensures his team operates with fairness and consistency.
“If you’re going to be a sheriff, you need to have a servant’s heart,” Rice said. “You can be hard. You can be tough. But you also have to be able to listen and truly hear people.”
That philosophy extends to the way the OCSO interacts with the community. Whether it’s ensuring fair law enforcement practices or engaging in local events, Rice prioritizes visibility and trust-building.
“We wave at everybody. We stop and talk to people. That’s how you get crime solved – through relationships,” he emphasized. — Faith, Family & Community
Outside of law enforcement, Rice keeps his life simple – devoting his time to his wife of 36 years, Valerie, and working on their farm.
“I don’t fish, I don’t hunt, I don’t do much outside of working around the house,” he said. “After dealing with people’s problems all day, I just want some peace.”
His faith plays a significant role in both his personal and professional life. He observes the biblical feasts and follows what he believes is a biblically grounded way of life.
“We pray at meetings. We pray before SWAT calls. We pray before we go to the shooting range,” he said. “You’ve got to keep God in everything.”
His faith also shapes his views on societal shifts. While he acknowledges that the world is changing, he remains steadfast in his values.
“I don’t do pronouns, I don’t do political correctness,” he said. “Life is life, and we’re here to do what’s right.”
— A Message for the Community
When asked what he hopes to leave behind as his legacy, Rice kept it simple.
“I just think we’re supposed to teach the young ones coming up. We have to be the backbone of something,” he said.
Through his decades of service, he has aimed to be exactly that – a backbone for Okmulgee County, ensuring that law enforcement remains firm, fair, and dedicated to those it serves.
And for those looking for guidance in life? “Find God,” he said without hesitation. Sheriff Eddy Rice may be direct, but his dedication to Okmulgee County is undeniable. Whether he’s leading his team, mentoring young officers, or ensuring justice is served, his belief in and commitment to his community remains strong.
As the Meet the Officers series continues, one thing is clear: Okmulgee County is in the hands of leaders striving every day to make a difference.
