Clovis police chief retiring next month

Clovis Police Chief Roy Rice announced Tuesday he is retiring, effective Feb. 28.

Rice, 70, has been the city's police chief since Feb. 28, 2022. His law enforcement career has spanned 37 years, according to a city news release.

"I don't know. I'll probably just sit beneath a shade tree, drink diet Cokes and play video games with my grandkids when they come over," Rice said Tuesday morning when asked about his future plans. "Carolyn (his wife) and me and Biscuit (his dog) will just sit around and take life easy."

Rice said he made the decision over the holidays, spurred in part by the tragic death of a great niece, a Plainview, Texas, firefighter recently killed in a traffic accident.

"Fortunately, I got to spend some time with her at Thanksgiving just before she died. I spent a lot of time with family over the holidays and the kids said, 'Dad, it's time for you to come home and be around us for a while. I got to thinking about it and thought it would be a good idea," Rice said.

Rice said he plans to move to Lubbock for retirement to be closer to family.

Rice joined the Clovis Police Department in August 2019, city records show. He was police chief in Muleshoe and Brownfield, Texas, prior to coming to Clovis.

"Chief Rice has given much of his life to public service and he will be greatly missed," Clovis City Manager Justin Howalt said in the news release.

"He has been a tremendous asset to the City of Clovis. As we look toward the next steps regarding the leadership of the Police Department, we would like to take this time to recognize Chief Rice for his dedication in moving the department forward in a positive direction with professionalism and grace."

Rice in the news release stated: "I would like to thank the community for the opportunity to serve here. It has been very educational, and I have had the opportunity to work with a fine group of people. I would also like to thank City Administration and the city commission for their support."

Rice said he told city administration about his retirement plans on Monday afternoon.

Howalt said Tuesday it's too early to know the city's plans for selecting Rice's successor.