Thursday, January 26, 2017
Met Ray my first day in the 39th District as a 21 year old rookie, January 1971. Ray was like a character from the movies, he would eat rookies so we knew to stay away from him. He, like the other veterans, would rarely talk to you, and Lord help you if you put the siren on without asking. He said it hurt his ears. Then we found out his bark was truly much more than his bite. He was a cop's cop, and there was no other I would rather have on my side when the battle began. He was a loyal, courageous guy and I enjoyed working with him.
Then I moved to the Villas, and O! NO, here's Ray in the same area. We, with our other cop friend Woody, renewed our friendship, and it was all laughs.
Had the honor to deliver Communion to June when she was sick, and found our conversation on a different almost spiritual level, and I discovered then how much he truly missed June.
Will miss the cop breakfasts with Ray, but I'm sure he and Woody are probably throwing one back at that big VFW in the sky. The best to the family, my deepest sympathy, and you and Ray/June will be in my prayers.
Love, Mike
