The U.S. Secret Service announced on May 5 that former Special Agent in Charge Michael Rice will be added to the agency’s Wall of Honor on May 8.
Rice, who led the Nashville Field Office, died from cancer linked to his work at the Fresh Kills landfill site in New York after the September 11 attacks. He searched debris for remains and materials related to the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, which was destroyed during the attacks. The Wall of Honor commemorates employees who have died in the line of duty; Rice will become its forty-first member. His name will also be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“When they needed people after 9/11, he didn’t hesitate. He was on the next plane there,” said Patsy Rice, who was married to Mike Rice for forty years. “He was the bravest man I ever met. Nothing turned him away. If he saw somebody in trouble, he would help. He was strong-willed and brave.”
Rice began his career as a special agent in 1976 and served in several offices including Jackson, Mississippi; San Juan; Tampa; and Nashville before retiring in January 2002. Colleagues described him as a dedicated leader with integrity and compassion for those around him.
Sarah Beth Pulliam said: “His competence, work ethic and the respect he had for our personnel and our mission made him someone you trusted and wanted to learn from... Numerous agents who were hired on in Nashville developed into successful leaders in our agency, in part due to Mike’s commitment to their development.”
The ceremony highlights both Rice's contributions during his career and how agencies continue honoring those lost while serving their country.
