Longtime Hopewell law officer to retire
April 4, 2008 | Virginia News
He worked his way up in 31 years from street to major, deputy chief
HOPEWELL -- Thirty-one years ago, Ray Baxley entered the Hopewell Bureau of Police building on Main Street interested in a career in law enforcement.
Today, he will leave the same building after working his way from patrolman to deputy chief and twice serving as interim chief of police.
"This has been my life," Baxley, 53, said. "This has been almost my top priority."
Baxley is credited with leading several initiatives in the city, including pushing for more community policing and pushing strategies to combat drug crimes. Some of his colleagues see him as a role model and say he has the characteristics of a chief.
