22 Years Ago A Great Rice County Lawman Was Lost

Rice County Deputy John Liebenstein badge #115 was lost on this day (May 3) back in 1996. On the Officer Down Memorial Page, it states that he was killed by a vehicle that rammed his patrol car at 90 mph during a pursuit. Deputy Liebenstein was blocking an interstate ramp so the car, which was being driven by a 17-year-old, could not exit the interstate. The juvenile was taken into custody after being treated at a local hospital. He was convicted of first-degree murder and was given a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to the Sheriff's office, he served Rice County for 9 years as a correctional officer, deputy and investigator. John left behind a wife, three children, his mother, brother, sister and many other friends, family and colleagues.

He was remembered today of the Rice County Sheriff's office Facebook page. I am sure  he still keeps watch over the SHeriff's office team and the family he loved so much from above.