Ray Thomas Email & Phone Number

Entering the law enforcement field at the age of 18 as a Military Police Officer in the U.S Army, my career has spanned well beyond a decade, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public safety and security. This early experience set the foundation for a varied and impactful career, further enhanced by certification as a Military Police Officer and Military Correctional Officer. My service included significant deployments such as humanitarian efforts in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina and critical assignment to Guantanamo Bay Cuba under the Operation Enduring Freedom Campaign. Transitioning to civilian law enforcement, I contributed to the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility before joining the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP). At WSP, my roles were diverse and challenging, spanning from the Mental Health Ward to General Population and Segregation. However, my most notable contribution was in the Intensive Management Unit, where I managed the most violent inmates in the state, showcasing my ability to navigate high-risk environments effectively.Seeking further growth, I served as a Federal Police Officer at Naval Station Everett, Washington, before embracing the opportunity to impact community-level law enforcement with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. As a Deputy, I rapidly progressed through ranks and responsibilities— from coordinating the Reserve Deputy program and serving as a Taser Instructor, to a pivotal role in Detectives focusing on child abuse cases. Eventually, I ascended to Patrol Sergeant, a role that tasked me with overseeing significant operational components including the Reserve Deputy program, Taser and Firearms instruction, and budget management for each. My leadership extended to developing the Sheriff’s Office regional peer support team, a collaborative effort among first responder agencies across the Columbia Gorge region.Throughout my career, I’ve also shared my knowledge and expertise as a Taser and Firearms Instructor, and contributed as a background investigator. After dedicating over 12 years to serving with distinction in various law enforcement capacities, I’m currently advancing my career further by pursuing a degree in Cyber Security, eager to blend my extensive field experience with cutting-edge technology to continue making meaningful contributions to public safety.