The Bogalusa Rotary Club named Det. Demetria Rice as its 2016-17 Deputy of the Year, during the club’s Tuesday meeting.

Each year, the club selects a standout citizen in a variety of public servant professions, including teachers, police officers and firefighters. Tuesday’s naming of the deputy of the year is the final such honor the club will announce this year.

Rice is a detective and victim’s advocate in the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division. Rice began working with the WPSO shortly after Sheriff Randy Seal began his first term in 2012.

“We always look forward to making this announcement each year,” Seal said. “We thank the Bogalusa Rotary Club for doing this.”

Seal said that Rice previously worked with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, before marrying and moving to Washington Parish. He noted that she is a devoted public servant, who especially excels at cases involving mistreated animals, children and elderly citizens.

“If someone is doing something illegal, she’s going to get to the bottom of it,” Seal said. “She is one of those employees where if you ask her to do something, she’s going to do it.

“It was no question in our minds who was going to be our nominee this year.”

Rice said that she was appreciative of the honor, and makes a point to devote her entire life to Jesus Christ. She said that she serves the Lord first, then her family, and then her career.

“My passions are older folks, children and animals,” she said. “Someone has to be their voice.”

Among those who attended the announcement were Rice’s husband, Michael, Chief Deputy Mike Haley and Lt. Tom Anderson.

“It is an honor to be chosen,” Rice said. “I greatly appreciate it, and it’s an honor to serve you.”