Longtime retired Windham police captain dies unexpectedly

By Ed Pierce

One of the most familiar faces in law enforcement in Windham has died at the age of 62.

Captain Ray Williams served for 38 years as a member of the Windham Police Department and from a young age always wanted to work as a police officer.

Retired Windham Police Captain Ray 
Williams passed away Oct. 7 at the age
of 62 and spent nearly four decades in
law enforcement serving Windham. He
was known for his leadership,
professionalism and unwavering
commitment to public safety.
COURTESY PHOTO

Growing up in Cumberland, he graduated from Greely High School in 1983, he attended Southern Maine Community College and earned an associate of science degree in law enforcement technology. His first job in law enforcement was as a reserve officer for the Windham Police Department, and he was hired as a full-time police officer by Windham on Sept. 4, 1986.

In March 1987, Williams graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and he went on to successfully complete the Drug Recognition Expert School in 1991. He was the last active member of that first DRE School in 1991 who was serving with his department at the time of his retirement in May 2023.

He worked for the Windham Police Patrol Division for 20 years, 13 of those as a motorcycle officer. In June 2010, he accepted an interim detective’s assignment to the Criminal Investigations Division and was awarded the position permanently the following summer. Williams worked in investigations until November 2014, when he was promoted to Sergeant by the police department and was reassigned to the Patrol Division as one of two Evening Shift Commanders. He was promoted to the position of Patrol Captain in December 2020 and was instrumental in assisting the Windham Police Department’s transition in the construction and expansion of the Windham Public Safety Building on Gray Road in 2022.

As a certified instructor for the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Williams taught Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and was also teaching Active Firearms and Urban Rifle Instruction there. He was a Drug Recognition Expert, skilled in the use of the Intoxilyzer 5000ES equipment to detect alcohol impairment and in firearms.

Starting in 2006, he ran the Windham Police Department’s firearms program until his retirement and was the department’s armorer. Williams also launched the department’s first Motorcycle Unit using forfeited assets he seized in a traffic stop from a drug courier transporting drugs from Connecticut to Maine. Enough money was seized to fund the Motor Unit, K-9 program and purchase other equipment not in the normal budget.

Through the years, Williams was instrumental in training hundreds of police officers across the state in the techniques of detection and processing alcohol and drug impaired drivers. For his diligence at protecting Maine motorists and keen ability to recognize impaired drivers before they harm others, Williams was recognized by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in 2021 for his lifetime contribution as a Drug Recognition Expert and his devotion to keeping Maine highways safe. He continued to serve as a certified instructor for the Academy, traveling to Vassalboro when needed to teach officers and academy cadets.

Williams passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Windham Police Chief Kevin Schofield said Williams was known for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

“Among his many accomplishments was the creation of the Windham Police Department's motorcycle program,” Schofield wrote on the department’s Facebook page. “Over the years, he proudly escorted countless charity toy runs, memorial rides, and community events throughout the State of Maine. He also served as a Range Officer and Firearms Instructor, helping to train and mentor generations of officers.”

Fellow police officers say that the expertise and dedication shown by Williams helped to advance impaired driving enforcement and officer training statewide. 

Beyond his accomplishments in law enforcement, Williams was known as a trusted friend and someone with a knack for finding great fishing spots and he was a registered Maine Fishing Guide.

“His sense of humor, willingness to help others, and passion for the outdoors left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him,” Schofield wrote on the department’s Facebook page. “We extend our deepest condolences to Ray's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. He will be greatly missed, and his memory will never be forgotten.”

Williams is survived by his partner Dawn Freeland, his sister Rhonda Williams, his brother Brad Williams, sister-in-law Renee Williams, nieces, nephews and great-nieces. He is predeceased by his son Nicholas Williams and his parents Scott and Nancy Williams.

A Funeral Service honoring the life of Captain Ray Williams will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Windham High School Performing Arts Center in Windham. <