RICHARD RICE TO ADDRESS PEACE OFFICERS GROUP

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Richard C. Rice, will address the May meeting of the Southeast Missouri Peace Officers Association.

The meeting will take place May 2 at the Jackson American Legion Hall at North High and Mary streets, starting at 5:30 p.m. The hall is one block north of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

The cost is $8. It covers dinner and an open bar.

Rice has served as public safety director since January 1985 when Governor John Ashcroft selected him for the position. In the position, Rice directs the activities of the State Highway and Water patrols; the divisions of Highway Safety, Liquor Control, and Fire Safety; the Missouri National Guard; the State Emergency Management Agency; and the Missouri Veterans Commission.

He served in the Army for more than 28 years until retiring with the rank of colonel in September 1983. Following retirement, he was appointed director of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, a position he held until becoming public safety director.

Rice holds a master of arts degree from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor of science degree from Kansas State University.

A social hour will start off the evening. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations are required by April 24. They should be made at the U.S. Marshals Service, which is sponsoring the meeting, at 651-3579.