State officials on hand for event honoring local veteran

By RANDALL ALLEN

Horizon Reporter

CELINA-Bill Rich was honored this weekend with a road dedication here on Highway 53.

Rich was a local World War II veteran, deputy sheriff, Celina chief of police, and was elected constable.

Rich had a law enforcement career spanning three decades.

Highway 53 now has two Bill Rich Memorial Highway signs displayed.  One sign is located here near Walgreens at the intersection of Highway 52 and the other is near Clifton Rich Road.

State Representative Kelly Keisling and State Senator Ken Yager were on hand at the event honoring Rich. Both legislators shared their thoughts with Rich’s family and friends.

“We want to celebrate him and memorialize him on Highway 53,” Keisling said.  “It is an honor to be here. He (Rich) left the military and began serving locally. 

“He was not only in law enforcement, but also drove a bus for 15 years.”

Yager also spoke to the crowd.

“I appreciate the privilege to honor one of our heroes, Mr. Rich,” Yager said.  “He is part of the greatest generation.

“After coming home, many veterans went into community service. He gave so much to his nation and community.”

The road dedication took place on Saturday, November 2.

OFFICIALS SPEAK-Both State Rep. Kelly Keisling and State Senator Ken Yager addressed attendees at the road dedi-cation for Bill Rich. (Horizon photos by Randall Allen)