Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2009

HORRY COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Name | Johnny Ray

Age: 38

Occupation | Patrolman First Class - patrols Carolina Forest

Residence | Conway

Family | Married to Starre Ray; two sons, ages 12 and 16

Originally from | Rocky Mount, N.C.

How long have you lived here? 19 years

How long have you worked for the Horry County Police Department? Eight months

Total experience as a police officer? Eight months (in Marine Corps for 10 years)

When and why did you decide you wanted to be a police officer? It has always been something he has wanted to pursue. "I've always been the type of person who likes to help. ... It was the way I was raised. ... I have a kind heart. ... I want to give back to the community."

What do you like the most about being a police officer? Helping people in the community

Hobbies, interests | spending time with family, baseball coach

Favorite music or singer/band | Journey

Favorite movie | "300"

What's something people might not know about you? "I'm very approachable. Sometimes people look at me in uniform and think, 'I can't talk to him.' ... But that's what I'm here for."

-As told to Sarah P. Kennedy, editor, Your Carolina Forest.