MARCH 2022. Blues Vol 38 No. 3

the latest and greatest, and the
whatchamacallits they just had
to have!
For a business in the City of
Houston, that’s quite an accomplishment.
When it comes to
Law Enforcement, we haven’t
exactly kept our rich, dedicated
and oftentimes quite interesting
history alive. Central Police Supply
is a testament to over a half
century of service to those who,
Serve and Protect.
On a personal, one day in a
pouring thunderstorm, I stopped
in for one of those long “Duster
style” raincoats. I had just
enough money for it. Ray was
over attending to something
else as the girl rang me up. But
he stopped what he was doing
and mentioned the holes in the
sides of my boots where they
had become separated. With the
raging thunderstorm going on
outside he said “What size boot
do you wear?” I told him and
within about a minute he walked
back over with a brand new pair
of boots in the box. He told me
to take off my soaked, torn up
boots and put on the new ones.
I explained to him I only had
enough money to get the coat, I
didn’t have money for the boots.
He went on to tell me he didn’t
ask me about money, he simply
couldn’t and wouldn’t let a cop
come in with boots like that and
walk out in a middle of thunderstorm
with the same worn out
boots on. He said “I know when
payday is…just come back and
see me then, ok?” I thank him,
switched to new and dry boots
and went back to work. I’ll never
forgot his kindness and I’ll never
shop anywhere else. Such moments
are all but a rarity these
days, locked away to history. Not
all “Old School” was bad. Not at
all….
Over the years, Central became
a second home to hundreds if
not thousands of officers. In
the almost half of century that
Central and F15 have been in
business, they have outfitted officers
with damn near everything
they could ever need. When we
relaunched the BLUES a year ago,
I ran across a video that Greg
Smith made about Ray and the
history of Central Police Supply.
(see attached link) It’s a great
video that gives insight into Ray’s
history as an HPD police officer
and his involvement with F15
and later as the owner of Central
Police Supply.
I was out of town in August
when a friend called me and
said Ray had passed away. I was
truly saddened by the news. Ray
was always like an older brother
to me and I wish that I had
made it a point to visit him over
the years. I am however thrilled
to see his daughter Jacqueline
running the family business. I
know Ray was so proud when
Jacqueline wanted to take over
as manager and she is every bit
as smart as her old man.
Finally, I’d like to thank Jacqueline
and the staff at Central
Police Supply for once again
placing their trust in the BLUES to
promote a true legend in Houston.
I think Ray would be proud
of the “digital” version of the
BLUES and the fact we choose
the correct color of blue for The
Central Logo.
Remember when it come to
police supplies, Central is a onestop
shop. Especially if you work
for HPD, HCSO or any of the local
Harris County Constables, Central
has all the gear you need.
If you are looking for an
off-duty gun or a long rifle,
Central has GLOCK BLUE LABEL
pricing and nearly every model
in stock.
Sure you could go to the national
brand store down the
street, but there’s no way you’re
getting the personal attention
and outstanding customer service
Central Police Supply is
known for.
Be sure and tell the staff you
are an avid reader of the BLUES
Police Magazine and saw their
ad. Then ask for your FREE
Back-the- BLUE decal.
36 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 37