Ron Kugell is a rich man.

Last night, his friends and colleagues gathered in Paris to bid him a happy, healthly retirement. After serving 40 years as chief in Oxford, Kugell deserved every clap on the back and every genuine expression of affection and appreciation he got, and more.

Kugell, a extraordinarily successful entrepreneur, has devoted himself to public service. In addition to his years molding and leading the police department without drawing a salary, he worked as a teacher and school principal, he chaired the SAD 17 Board of Directors and, for a while, served as the town’s assistant fire chief.

This is a man with the compassion and the determination it takes to stand at the helm of a school board, but who will also willingly pitch in to direct traffic at a car accident if that’s the work that must be done.

Looking back on his career, Kugell said “I was always looking for a way to accommodate someone, if I could.

“Some people are yes’ people and some people are no’ people. I would try to figure out a way to say yes, and if I couldn’t, determine what was the next best thing.”

Kugell has instilled in his officers the same kind of dedication and professionalism he has practiced, leaving the department and the people of Oxford in good hands.