The law's long, caring arm

When Ray Thompson started his job with the Oakwood Police Department, he wasn't paid for his part-time work.

But that didn't stop Thompson, who went on to serve as a full-time police officer for 19 years. Five of those years, a full-time deputy helped Thompson, and occasionally, so did a part-timer.

Thompson, who retired in 1994, spent about 10 years patrolling Oakwood by himself. He also served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He was chief of the volunteer Oakwood fire department for 27 years and was a volunteer ambulance first-responder, as well.

And that's not the only remarkable thing about Thompson's tenure in the Oakwood Police Department. He turned his job into a family affair – wife Norma answered the department's phone until the county started taking calls – and worked hard to establish relationships with residents, especially kids and teens.

Thompson initiated conversations with kids sitting around town, sometimes between 10 and 15 of them.

"We would just talk about anything and everything," Thompson said. "Lots of times we talked about things they couldn't talk to their parents about."

Sometimes, Thompson talked to parents to resolve problems, "and very seldom did we ever miss getting things resolved, so the kids appreciated that."

Even when teens got in trouble, Thompson tried hard to understand them and show he was there to help them.

"You can't save them all, but you can sure try," Thompson said. "You have to keep the pressure on no matter what age they are. Some who were in trouble just needed to be wanted and loved."

They also sometimes needed a stern talking-to, which Oakwood Mayor Tom Cook saw firsthand in the 1980s. Teenagers driving too fast hit a group of mailboxes, not realizing Thompson was behind them.

"(Thompson) stopped and gave the young driver a stern lecture, then let them go," Cook said, explaining that Thompson saw Cook standing in his driveway. "He ... told me the kids would be back to repair the damaged mailboxes and stands no later than 10 a.m. the next morning."

Cook said the new mailboxes were sturdier than the ones the teens damaged.

"I was impressed with (Thompson) and how he handled it without taking the boys downtown," he said.

Thompson's caring approach to law enforcement still makes him a popular figure with Oakwood residents. Thompson said he's still thanked by people he knew from his time as a police officer. They want to let him know they appreciate how he dealt with them, whether they were kids or adults. Some even thank him with their own kids in tow.

Thompson also set an example for his own seven children – six of them and their spouses have been involved in ambulance or fire department work. Son John is a sergeant with the Danville Police Department.

Now, the Oakwood Police Department has 11 part-time officers, which is far different from the days Thompson patrolled by himself with occasional help – just like well-known TV officer.

Does Thompson think his attitude as a police officer mirrors that of Andy Griffith's?

"Just about. I am pretty laid back and treated kids like I wanted my own to be treated," Thompson said with a grin. "Although I don't sing and play guitar."