Oct 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 10

our most avid

our most avid supporters. And it was Ray that introduced me to Buddy Williams the editor of the Badge & Gun, who would later become the owner of the BLUES for almost 25 years. In fact, it was Ray’s idea (one of perhaps a thousand over the years) to change the name of the newspaper from County Blues to just The BLUES. Ray said I was too partial to Harris County, and I needed to expand my horizons or something like that. Expand readership statewide, he says. I’m pretty sure this was his idea to get Central’s ad seen by more cops across the state and of course not pay more for said ad. Around the time Ray retired from HPD, I sold the newspaper to Buddy Williams and it was rare that I ran into Ray at Central. But when I did, he and I would discuss ways to improve the BLUES. Not sure how much advice he gave Buddy over the years, but I’m sure if he had the chance, Ray would have imparted his knowledge of the publishing world to Buddy as well. Over the years, Central Police Supply became a second home to hundreds if not thousands of police officers. In fact, Central Police Supply began its long storied history as F15 in 1972 and Ray Simper was one of the 15 original owners. As he tells it, he gradually purchased shares from the other officers until he owned 100%. It wasn’t long after that, he changed the name to Central Police Supply. In the more than 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 in 2019, I ran across a video that Greg Smith produced about Ray and the history of Central Police Supply. (See link on preceding page) It’s a great video that gives insight into Ray’s history as an HPD officer and his involvement with F15 and later as the owner of Central Police Supply. I was out of town in August of 2020 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 more often 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 ad in this issue and yes Ray, we made sure the logo is in fact the right color blue. I know Ray is riding his tractor in heaven and watching over all his family – both personal as well as BLUE. Can’t wait to see you again my friend and tell you all about the digital version of The BLUES and I’m sure you’ll have ways to improve it. God Bless you, my friend. 78 The BLUES

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