Letter from G.Ray-family friend

November 17th 2009

Re: Character Reference for Robert McGowan


To Whom This May Concern,


My name is George L. Ray.  I am employed by The San Bernardino City Fire Department as a Fire Engineer/ Paramedic. I have worked in the fire service for 20 years.


I have known Robert McGowan for several years. He is my neighbor and good friend. Our children also attended the same school. We were first introduced at the school where Robert’s son  and my son were both starting kindergarten together. Robert and his wife  were both very involved in school functions, volunteering for various activities and tasks and never miss an opportunity to participate in their son’s education. Robert is respected and is a valued member of our community. Our neighborhood was attacked by kids with spray paint, not only did Robert remove the tagging around the school so the young kids would not see the obstinacies, he went around the other parts of the neighborhood and helped complete strangers remove the paint with his own pressure washer. Robert is well liked and highly respected by the staff at the school, other parents and the community at large. We have also had a friendship grow between our families to the extent that we have taken family vacations together.


I am aware of the charges Robert is facing as well as the verdict that was reached. I can honestly say that I was completely confused and amazed with the jury’s verdict. I was not present during the trial, nor was I in the deliberation room as the verdict was reached but I have a difficult time understanding how the jury could have come to this conclusion. I have personally witnessed Robert’s calm emotional reaction to situations, some of witch I was impressed with how calm he remained. I can say that if Robert was to lose his composure it would be out of character to the Robert I know. He has proven to be level-headed and calm when faced with difficult and aggravating situations.


I have also seen the financial and emotional toll this is taking on Robert and his family. He has done an outstanding job providing a secure and stable home for his family. Like myself, Robert and his wife feel having the mother at home is a great benefit to our children. Robert has taken on the burden of being the sole income earner so that his children can grow up in a home where the warm embrace of their mother is never too far away. These are the things that matter to Robert, not bravado or revenge for a fellow officer. It’s an almost indescribably helpless feeling watching a man who has proven to be an honest and loyal friend, father and husband become a victim of the legal system that he took an oath to uphold. I would trust Robert with everything that matters most in my life, including the care of my children or the safety of my family.


I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts with you about Robert. He is above all a man of integrity and has earned my respect. I honestly aspire to be more like the person that he is today and I believe others should as well. We need more people like him in our community. In spite of this devastating proceeding he continues to enrich the lives of those he encounters.


Thank you for your consideration,


Respectfully,


George L. Ray
San Bernardino City Fire Department