NOBLE Founding Member and Retired Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department Fred Rice
End of Watch: January 10, 2011
Fred Rice graduated from DuSable High School and attended Wilson Junior College. He entered the US Army serving in Korea and was assigned to the all-Black Twenty-Fourth Infantry. It should be noted that President Truman integrated the armed services in 1948, but General MacArthur refused to integrate any unit under his command. He was relieved of command and replaced by General Matthew Ridgeway who complied with the directive retiring the 24th and integrating his troops. Rice was assigned to a artillery unit and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. He continued his military service as a reservist after his active duty service ended in 1955.
That same year, Fred Rice joined the Chicago Park District Police, which later merged with the Chicago Police Department. He was the city's first Black Accident Investigator and he became a Detective in 1960. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1963 and Lieutenant in 1968. Rice was promoted to District Commander in 1970.
Mr. Rice returned to college that year and went on to receive undergraduate and master's degrees from Roosevelt College.
In 1978 Rice was promoted to Deputy Chief of Patrol and in 1980 he was promoted to Chief of Patrol, the first Black to hold that position. In August, 1983 Mayor Harold Washington appointed Rice to Superintendent, but because of resistance from several of the Aldermen he was not confirmed until November, 1983.*
In a January 25, 1993, Rice was interviewed by The History Makers and related that his groundbreaking appointment as not only a sign of the robust progression of the civil rights movement, but also as a validation of past struggles that had been fought by activists such as Rosa Parks and
the members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
"The diversity that our department enjoys today is largely the result of Superintendent Rice's heroic stance in integrating squad car assignments and providing promotional and special assignment opportunities for Black and Hispanic officers," said Chicago Metropolitan Chapter President Eugene Williams.
Mr. Rice is survived by his wife, Thelma; a son, Lyle; his daughter, Judith; a sister, Beverly Jones; and two granddaughters.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Rice family.
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Lieutenant Colonel Frederick D. Snellings
Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety
End of Watch: January 8, 2011
Lieutenant Colonel Snellings served more than 37 years in public service. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). After 18 months in the USMC, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant meritoriously in Vietnam. After serving his country in the military, he joined the
Georgia State patrol where he served from 1972 to 1983 attaining the rank of Sergeant.
In May 1983, Lieutenant Colonel Snellings entered duty with the FBI as a Special Agent and was assigned to field offices in Atlanta, GA; Alexandria, VA; and Cleveland, OH. In August 1991, he was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) with assignments at the Special Detail Unit, Administrative Services Division, at FBI Headquarters (FBIHQ), Washington D.C.; the Violent Crime/Fugitive Unit, Criminal Investigative Division at FBIHQ; and the Youngstown, OH Office.
In 1999 he was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) of the Atlanta, GA Field Office where he functioned as the second-in-command of all the FBI's Criminal Operations in Georgia. In April 2002, he was promoted to Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office. Lieutenant Colonel Snellings retired from the FBI in 2005. He then served as the Senior Manager for an international security company in charge of the Atlanta, GA branch.
Lieutenant Colonel Snellings was appointed and confirmed as Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety by the Georgia Board of Public Safety on February 14, 2008.
Lt. Colonel Snellings received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Morehouse College and his Master's degree in Public Administration from Brenau University. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 128, Quantico VA, the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL., and the Executive Leadership Program, Georgia Leadership Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Lt. Colonel Snellings is survived by his wife Evelyn and two adult children.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Snellings family.
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Officer Michael Flisk
Chicago Police Department
Star #6962
End of Watch: 26-Nov-2010
Police Officer Michael Flisk, 46, was fatally shot in the line of duty on November 26, 2010, while processing the crime scene from a burglary that had occurred sometime earlier.
Officer Flisk was an Evidence Technician assigned to the E.T. Team – South since 2007. He joined the Chicago Police Department in January of 1991 and began his career in the 009th District. He also worked in the 004th District and Mass Transit Unit before his promotion to Evidence Technician. He was a dedicated law enforcement professional and demonstrated a commitment to serving and protecting the city of Chicago.
Officer Flisk is survived by his wife and four children. Three siblings are also members of the Chicago Police Department.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Flsik family.
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Officer Michael R. Bailey
Chicago Police Department
Star #13970
End of Watch: July 18, 2010
On 18-JUL-2010, Police Officer Michael Bailey, Star # 13970, was shot and killed as he was returning home from his tour of duty. Officer Bailey was a decorated twenty-year veteran of the Department and was most recently assigned to the 1st District. The investigation into his murder is currently ongoing.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Bailey family.
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Officer Thor Soderberg
Chicago Police Department
Star #14767
End of Watch: July 7, 2010
At approximately 3:45 on 07-JUL-2010, Chicago Police Officer Thor Soderberg, Star # 14767, who was working Operation Protect Youth, returned to his vehicle at the end of his tour of duty. The vehicle was located in the parking lot of the police facility at 61st and Racine. While in that parking lot, the uniformed officer became involved in a struggle with a 24-year old male individual. During the struggle, the offender disarmed the officer and fatally shot him.
The offender fled and is believed to have committed an armed robbery a short distance away. He fired additional shots, which were heard by officers inside the police facility. Several officers quickly responded and there was an exchange of gunfire. The offender was shot during that exchange and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His injury is considered non-life threatening.
The 43-year old officer was an 11-year veteran of the Department and was most recently assigned to the Education and Training Division.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Soderberg family.
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Officer Thomas E. Wortham IV
Chicago Police Department
Star #6181
End of Watch: May 20, 2010
Chicago Police Officer Thomas E. Wortham IV, Star #6181, was murdered during an armed robbery attempt near his family's home in the 8400 Block of South Martin Luther King Drive. Officer Wortham was able to return fire during the attack, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced shortly after midnight on May 20th, 2010.
Officer Wortham joined the Chicago Police Department in June 2007 and served with distinction in the Englewood District. He also served our country as a First Lieutenant in the Army National Guard and most recently completed a tour of duty in Iraq on March 30, 2010.
Two male offenders were shot during the attack; one was pronounced dead and the other is currently hospitalized for his injuries. Two other offenders are in police custody.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Wortham family.
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Sergeant Alan Haymaker
Chicago Police Department
Star #2532
End of Watch: February 22, 2010
Sergeant Alan Haymaker, 56 years old, sustained fatal injuries following an accident which occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. Sgt. Haymaker was responding to a call of a burglary in progress when he lost control of his patrol car while traveling southbound on Lake Shore Drive. According to eyewitness accounts, Sgt. Haymaker’s police vehicle struck a light pole and a tree.
Sgt. Haymaker, a 21-year veteran and third generation police officer, was assigned to the 023rd Police District since December 2009.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Haymaker family.
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Officer Alejandro Valadez
Chicago Police Department
Star #9534
End of Watch: June 1, 2009
Officer Alex Valadez was shot and killed while investigating reports of gunfire on South Hermitage Ave. shortly after midnight. As he and his partner were questioning several individuals, a vehicle drove up and an occupant opened fire, striking Officer Valadez once in the leg and once in the head. He was transported to Stroger Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds later in the day.
Officer Valadez had served with the Chicago Police Department for three years. He earned one Chicago Police Department Commendation and twenty two honorable mentions.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Valadez family.
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Officer Richard M. Francis
Chicago Police Department
Star #5276
End of Watch: July 2, 2008
Officer Richard M. Francis was a 27-year veteran Chicago police officer who was fatally shot by a woman who grabbed his gun during a struggle which took place outside the police area headquarters building at Belmont Avenue and Western Avenue.
Officers responded to the scene at Belmont and Western Avenues around 2 a.m. and shot the woman several times in defense of the officer, critically wounding her.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Francis family.
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Officer Nathaniel Taylor
Chicago Police Department
Star #7322
End of Watch: September 28, 2008
On September 28th, 2008, Officer Nathaniel Taylor was shot and killed as he was conducting a narcotics investigation on the 7900 block of S. Clyde Street. Officer Taylor was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds later in the day.
Officer Taylor is survived by his wife and 5-year old daughter.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Taylor family.
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Detective Joseph Airhart Jr.
Chicago Police Department
Star #20931
End of Watch: November 4, 2008
Det. Joseph Airhart Jr., who was gravely wounded seven years ago as he tried to arrest a bank robbery suspect inside a South Loop apartment building died on November 4th, 2008.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Airhart family.
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Officer Michael A. Robbins
Chicago Police Department
Star #4203
End of Watch: September 13, 2008
Officer Michael Robbins succumbed to complications from gunshot wounds sustained 14 years earlier while responding to a call of shots fired in a neighborhood. As Officer Robbins and his partner arrived, a suspect walked up to an open window in a residence and fired multiple times, striking both officers who survived.
Officer Robbins, who was shot 11 times, had three bullets which remained lodged in his heart. He was found dead in his apartment as a result of those injuries on September 13, 2008. Prior to Officer Robbins' death, the 22-year-old suspect was sentenced to 120 years in prison.
Officer Robbins had served with the Chicago Police Department for eight years at the time of the shooting and was assigned to the Grand Crossing District. He was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and a recipient of a Bronze Star. Officer Robbins is survived by his daughter, two sons, stepson, two grandchildren and a brother.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Robbins family.
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Officer Eric Solorio
Chicago Police Department
Star #13609
End of Watch: February 12, 2006
On 17 Jan 2006, Officer Eric Solorio and his partner were on aggressive patrol in a designated deployment zone, when their squad car skidded out of control on icy pavement resulting in a tragic accident. Officer Solorio was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries on 12 Feb 2006.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Solorio family.
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Officer Michael Gordon
Chicago Police Department
Star #18751
End of Watch: Auugut 8, 2004
While on patrol in the 11th District, the vehicle driven by Officer Michael Gordon was struck by a drunk driver. Tragically, Officer Gordon sustained serious injuries, and subsequently died as a result of the accident.
NOBLE would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Gordon family.
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