Arizona Rangers Command Staff
Company Captains
Agua Fria Company
Benson Company
Bisbee Company
Douglas Company
East Valley Company
Granite Mountain Company
High Country Company
Lonesome Valley Company
Madera Company
Mohave Company
North Valley Company
Peoria Company
Phoenix Company
Pinal Company
Santa Cruz Company
Show Low Company
Sierra Vista Company
Sonoita Company
Sun Lakes Company
Tombstone Company
Tucson Company
Verde Valley Company
Yuma Company
Area Commanders
Capt. Timothy Smith
Capt. Kris�n Clopton
Capt. Patrick Brown
Capt. Neil Trout
Capt. Jeffrey Mitchell
Capt. Dennis Ketchum
Capt. Tom Chesterman
Capt. Joachim Osther
Capt. Christopher Gaecke
Capt. Bruce Leeming
Capt. Ron Halmekangas
Capt. Ken Barnick
Capt. Scot Walker
Capt. Don Golembieski
Capt. Armando Madril
Capt. Craig Boston
Capt. James Howe
Capt. Bart Lawrence
Capt. Ron Burche�
Capt. Mike Penney
Capt. Henry Zappia
Capt. Art Bertolina
Capt. Hernel Aitken
State Commander Colonel Barry J Adams
Deputy State Commander Lt Colonel Lisa Penney
State Secretary
Major Joshua DeLong
State Treasurer Major Aaron Fritz
State Director of Training
Major Joe McWilliams
State Community Rela�ons Officer Major Robert Shirey
Board of Directors
State Area Commander – Central Major Gordon Johnson
State Area Commander - Southwest Major Walter Ayres
State Area Commander - Northern Major Stan Herrera
State Area Commander - Southeast Major David Smith
OUR MISSION
“The Arizona Rangers, on request, will provide law enforcement support and assistance to any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency within the State of Arizona. Also, on request, the Arizona Rangers can provide security services for community and civic organizations. The Arizona Rangers provide support for the youth and youth organizations within Arizona. Additionally, the Arizona Rangers participate in activities which keep alive the history and traditions of the Old West.”
ARIZONA RANGER Newsletter
Quarterly News
Volume 30, No. 4, December 2024
The newsletter is dedicated to the Arizona Rangers, their history and communities they have proudly served since 1901.
Editor: Lt. Mike Harder
Associate Editor: Lt. Michael Murdock
Editorial Board:
Col. Barry Adams
Major Robert Shirey
Cover: Composite photo of Capt. Joachim Osther and Dan Quinlan at Prescott Courthouse
Rear Cover: Artist Interpretation of Capt. Kristin Clompton photo by 1st Lt. Mike Harder
Website: www.azrangers.us
Mailing Address:
Arizona Rangers 6801 N Glen Harbor Blvd. Suite 109
Glendale, AZ 85307
Greetings Arizona Rangers and Merry Christmas.
As Thanksgiving has passed us by and Christmas is upon us, I am thankful for each and every one of you and the hundreds of hours of volunteerism that you provide.
As the year has approached its end, I have had the opportunity to spend some time with many of you and your companies at training events and several Christmas parties that I was invited to.
I am always impressed to watch the camaraderie in our companies and the interactions I see between all of you.
There have been quite a few developments in the Arizona Rangers in the past few months to include Tombstone Company receiving the use of at least two Tombstone Marshal's Office patrol units.
I've also had the opportunity to have dinner and meet with several police chiefs and commanders and some of your Christmas parties; notably a Commander with the Sahuarita Police Department that was willing to play, "Hide Captain Gaecke'stoy police car from him" with me.
This was the same party where I impressed our fellow Arizona Rangers with my knowledge of Lady Gaga's real name.
Most notably and what deserves the most recognition for you all;
Lt Bill Nordbrock had to undergo emergency brain surgery and at that time, his prognosis was somewhat unknown. Our Arizona Rangers came together with an emergency statewide vote to approve Lifetime Arizona Ranger status for Lt. Nordbrock. I was honored to be able to present him with his certificate, badge, and pin in the hospital before attending the Tucson Company's Christmas Party.
The Arizona Rangers never cease to amaze and come thru for others.
Keep up the good work and keep doing what you do.
Regards,
Colonel Barry Adams State Commander
Agua Fria
It has been a pleasure to serve our community and be around great people at the Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Associa�on (GCPRA) finals, held at the Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center. The center has taken on a whole new look over the past few months. The fes�vi�es kicked off Thursday night with the back number ceremony and jacket party. The contestants all competed in the first round Friday, and con�nued through Sunday with three full rounds.
We con�nue to support local events with security at Varsity Football Games and churches. We also con�nue our commitment to LEA with DUI Task Force in Peoria.
We have been blessed with a new proba�onary to help us grow.
North Valley
North Valley covers Ben Avery Shoo�ng Facility, Anthem, Black Canyon City and The Town of Cave Creek.
We are commi�ed to our community in giving and in service. We have proudly provided security to the Anthem Board Mee�ng, Reigning Grace Carnival and even November 4th vo�ng sites.
Some of our annual events we contribute to include Power of the Purse annual
fundraiser, celebra�ng generosity, community spirit and designer handbags. It brings the community together to raise funds, ensuring all our residents can thrive in a place that values dignity, wellness and connec�on. Addi�onally, the Autumnfest Arts and Cra�s fair.
We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Happy Holidays
Benson
Tis the season!!! Benson Company assis�ng Willcox PD with the landing of Santa at Maid Rite Feed!
BENSON SHOP WITH A COP had 115 kids this year. Officers and depu�es helped kids pick out their Christmas gi�s. Santa arrived on a helicopter to greet the smiling shoppers. The community stepped up to help these kids have an amazing holiday and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office is excited to be a part of this event every year.
Having completed their training, proba�onary period, and worked a variety of both foot and mounted du�es…
Benson Company is proud to swear in 2 more full Rangers!
Check out this issue of “SSVEC Currents” magazine for a feature on Benson Company!! We are so apprecia�ve of SSVEC, and everything they do to support our organiza�on! The support of the Benson and Willcox
communi�es has been overwhelming as well. Without the support of and rela�onships with local law enforcement, the schools, and the groups who hire us for security we would not be where we are today. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate every single Ranger of Benson Company – both mounted and foot - who volunteer countless hours of their precious �me. In the last year and a half we have grown from a company of only 7 Rangers to 18, due to teamwork. We are family!
Benson Company has had a bit of reorganiza�on, as our Sgt at Arms stepped up into the busier role of Quartermaster. As well, it was a very produc�ve night of training for Benson with various situa�onal awareness, communica�on, and memory exercises. As a company we are very fortunate to have an excellent Training Sergeant to coordinate our training programnot only does she bring to the table a pile of her own cer�fica�ons in search & rescue, but also her years of experience with CCSO.
Bisbee
We collaborated with Sierra Vista Company and the Legacy Foundation for the Fiesta Navidad Dinner. In December, we also participated in the Bisbee Festival of Lights, which turned out to be an outstanding event.
Today, I enjoyed exploring my latest hobby: grave hunting. This involves researching to locate cemeteries and specific graves. My first discovery was Capt. Harry C. Wheeler. He began life as a Florida orphan and was adopted by a soldier. His journey west started after serving in the army. He
became an Arizona Ranger and eventually its third captain. After the Rangers disbanded, he served as the Cochise County Sheriff, gaining fame for cleaning up Bisbee and participating in one of the last Old West gunfights in Gleeson. Later, he volunteered for World War I. Opinions about him
Growing strong each month
vary; some view him as a hero, others as a villain, but he undoubtedly deserves a place in the Old West Hall of Fame.
Next, I explored the legacy of Camillus S. Fly, the renowned photographer from Tombstone. He is best remembered for photographing the McLaury brothers and Billy Clanton after the O.K. Corral gunfight. His most significant work, however, was documenting Geronimo's surrender negotiations. Fly even served as a lawman during his lifetime.
Lastly, I discovered the grave of Constance Hoover, who tragically passed away from pneumonia at just over a year old in 1912. Her death occurred at the Oliver House, a location with a notorious reputation due to multiple sudden deaths over the years. Some might say the house is cursed.
Happy Holidays!!!!!
East Valley Serving the Valley of the Sun
The Arizona Rangers East Valley Company has commi�ed themselves to building great rela�onships and public
interest with our fellow law enforcement partners. Throughout the year we have been able to assist law enforcement in a lot of traffic control and their event accommoda�ons. We were able to go through vigorous training through our PoliceOne Online Academy as well as allowing some of our law enforcement partners to take us out and do firsthand training in self-defense as well as traffic control and patrol opera�ons. We've been able to serve numerous charity func�ons to help give back to the community as well as sponsoring a high school for children that is dedicated to Public Safety and Emergency Services careers. We pride ourselves in wan�ng to be the elite
agency that leads the standard and becoming a great Community servant for our law enforcement Partners as well as our charitable organiza�ons.
Supporting Police, Sheriffs and Fire Granite Mountain
It has been a great 4th quarter and the start of a great holiday season, we kicked it off with our company Christmas dinner.
We had posi�ve growth and have added to our base assignments. We con�nued suppor�ng the Yavapai College with security service which has included mul�ple music events.
We had a great duty with the 40th annual running of The Man Against Horse Race. This is a race where endurance horses and their riders get to compete alongside runners on the same course at the same �me. Legend has it that in 1983, The Man Against Horse began following a bar bet
between Gheral Brownlow and cowboy Steve
Gheral bet Steve he could outrun his horse in an endurance event, and the rest is history. The races consist of three distances: a 50, a 25, and a half marathon.
The Williams Christmas Parade was special focal point of the year with the kick off of a new MOU for our area. The Christmas parade in Downtown Williams is a muchan�cipated event each holiday season. This year’s theme was “Christmas Trees & Memories” and the parade was on Saturday, November 30. Williams remembers its medical professionals, past and present. A�er the Christmas parade, there was a Tree Ligh�ng Ceremony.
Ra�ers.
High Country Sonoita
We enjoy all of our du�es, but some more than others. The ones we enjoy the most are suppor�ng community ac�vi�es, like the Special Olympics of Arizona.
The Shadows Founda�on looked for 20 Lucky Children that shopped with our Law Enforcement Agencies. What makes this unique... selected children shopped in support of our Northern Arizona Law Enforcement Toy Drive and less fortunate children so they too will have a present to open on Christmas morning.
Keeping the community safe in the dark at the Dark Skies event. The 2024 Flagstaff Star Party and Celebra�on of the Night brings six weeks of exci�ng and awe-inspiring events showcasing Flagstaff’s beau�ful night skies.
Protec�on of the night sky began in Flagstaff in 1958 – and Flagstaff con�nues to set the standard for effec�ve night sky protec�on.
We have con�nued to support our community with du�es including Williams Gun Show, North Area GOP, Shop with a Cop and Holiday Parade of Lights to men�on a few.
A Very Merry Christmas
We have a good end of the year in suppor�ng our community with posi�ve du�es. This has included Sahuarita/Green Valley Fes�val of trees and suppor�ng the Santa Cruz County Fair.
Christmas Ham Dinner Dona�on… distribute Ham Dinners to needy families in the Sonoita, Patagonia and Elgin areas. We had a good turnout for this event to show our commitment to the community and our concern for those less fortunate than ourselves.
The Empire Ranch Cowboy Fes�val, is the Founda�on’s annual public event celebra�ng Arizona’s Western history and culture. Previously called the Roundup & Open House (2000-2017) the Fes�val also showcases Bureau of Land Management and Empire Ranch Founda�on’s efforts to preserve the Empire Ranch for future genera�ons. Each year more than 3,000 visitors come to the ranch to enjoy Western heritage demonstra�ons, arena and livestock exhibits, cowboy cooking and Western entertainment.
Lonesome Valley
It’s been a very busy end of the year. It seemed like there were no small du�es. We covered concerts, parades, poli�cal rallies, music fes�vals and even a Trump motorcade. Here are some of our event highlights.
Kicking off the fes�ve season was the Presco�'s 27th Annual Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Fes�val. Followed by the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade on December 7th This year’s Christmas Parade, themed “Heroes of the Holiday,” with a 130 entries making for the largest parade Presco� has had to date. That evening was the 70th Annual Courthouse Ligh�ng. There was live Christmas music as the Courthouse and over 80 glowing trees surrounding the Plaza were illuminated with more than a million LED lights plus a fireworks display at the end. Next was the 36th Annual Acker Night Musical Showcase on December 13th.Directly a�er was the German-style market ofChristkindl Marketon Saturday, December 14th and 15th.We will cap off the year with a bang at the 14th Annual Whiskey Row New Year's Eve Boot Drop, featuring spectacular fireworks on Tuesday, December 31st.
At Christmas �me the Lonesome Valley Company of the Arizona Rangers steps up to help with a wonderful, yet li�le know charity called “Blankets 4 Kids”. This nonprofit truly gives to the less fortunate families with children in Yavapai County by collec�ng and distribu�ng blankets and comfort items. Our company saw how this organiza�on helps the community and purchased dozens of blankets and stuffed toys for this worthy cause.
WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
Madera
Hello again to our brothers and sisters from Madera Co. and Capt. CJ Gaecke.
Wrapping up the last quarter with our year-end numbers and info. We currently have 10 full Rangers, 2 proba�onary, 1 Emeritus, 3 onboarding and 2 Associate Rangers. Over 225 hours in mee�ngs, 500+ hours in Admin. Madera had 550 hours in Law Enforcement assists – natural disasters, 24/7 call-in assists, community events such as Spooktacular, Shop with a Cop, Fill a School Backpack, Fiesta Sahuarita, Red White and Boom, El Tour, school gradua�ons and even a high school evacua�on. All but one, were donated and uncompensated. We had nearly 400 hours in training – weapons qualifica�ons (to include
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duty weapon, back-up gun and rifle), handcuffing, baton, radio codes, traffic control, defensive techniques, first-aid, history, weapons safety and report wri�ng. 400 travel hours for over 12,000 travel miles.
Total hours Madera gave back to our communi�es, chari�es, events, children, and LEA was an impressive 2,700 hours. We've donated $2,000 to Amado Youth Programs and assisted Sahuarita PD FOP in receiving a Grant for $5000 from Walmart which goes to Shop with a Cop. We've also donated to Pima County Sheriff's Dept. Ac�ve Shooter Workshop and $650 to the Arizona Rangers Museum.
Sgt. Giarraputo helps out a vendor at the Santa Cruz County Fair. Madera Co. assisted Sonoita Co. at this event.
Rangers at Con�nental School Trunk or Treat
Rangers from Madera, Benson and Sonoita Companies receive traffic control training from Sahuarita PD
Mohave
Mohave Company Radio Repeater system project:
On October 8th-10th, Rangers from Mohave Company and employee volunteers from Home Depot worked together to replace the roof on the repeater site on Hualapai
Mountain used by Mohave Company for radio communica�ons. Associate Ranger Tiffany Smith worked in conjunc�on with Home Depot to provide all of the building materials at no cost to Mohave Company. The Rangers and volunteers from Home Depot completed the project on Hualapai Mountain in three days. Mohave Company is one of three Companies within the Arizona Rangers which u�lize their own repeater system for radio communica�ons. The Repeated site is owned by Cactus Radio Inter�e Inc. which provides repeater services for about 25% of the na�on, assis�ng various private and municipal organiza�ons. In exchange for maintenance of the repeated site, Cactus Inter�e Inc. Allows use of the repeated site and any future tech improvements for Mohave Company.
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Mohave Company Assists City of Kingman during Christmas “Street of Light” event:
On December 7th 2024 Mohave Company assisted the City of Kingman with traffic Control and public safety for residents of Kingman and Mohave County during Kingman’s annual “Street of lights”. The event showcases many community organiza�ons and private companies which provide lighted Christmas withy displays awards going to the most popular displays as voted by the public. Food vendors and musical a�rac�ons are provided as well as the arrival of Santa himself via helicopter at the scene of the event. The duty u�lized 5 rangers for the event which was a�ended by several thousand Merry a�endees.
Peoria
We would like to thank our community partners at Walmart for helping us make the holiday season even brighter for our local school children! We had a blast shopping for all the boys and girls, and will be distribu�ng these gi�s next week to 3 different schools. * Singing... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." From our hearts to yours, Happy Holidays everyone!
We assisted in a wonderful community event put on by Western Towing and the Glendale Police Department over the weekend. Early Christmas cheer could be felt all throughout the event, as local children were gi�ed new bikes for the holiday season. Thank you to our community partners for this event, what a great way to start out the Christmas season!
On a scale from 1-10, Peoria's annual G.A.I.N. event was a 12!! Many thanks to the City of Peoria, Arizona, Peoria Police AZ and Peoria Fire-Medical Department for pu�ng on yet another amazing community event! We had so much fun mee�ng local families and local chari�es who came out to support. The Arizona Rangers were so proud to celebrate with our local heroes, thank you for all you do to help protect our families and communi�es every day.
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The Command Staff also awarded 2 Captain's awards this month for outstanding commitment to duty, as well as having a "can-do" Ranger a�tude. Congratula�ons Rangers! Our team also welcomed and swore in a new Proba�onary Ranger who has been with us for the last two months. We're happy to have you part of our team new Ranger!
Phoenix
What a great opportunity to humanize the badge with a family event like the races. The children loved the Rangers. Many of the children were as young as 12 years old wearing fire suits and racing the micro, mini's and other types of race cars. I was amazed at how safe and professionally these kids drove these fast cars. It was so encouraging to see dad, mom, uncle, aunts, grandparents and all the children at this event. The owners fed us with GREAT burgers, nachos and burritos. What a great duty to serve our community at.
What a great event. We had the opportunity to support the kids, humanize the badge, give out a lot of s�ckers and just plain have fun in the community while keeping everybody safe. Isn't this what the Rangers are all about? It started out with about ten 14 - 16 year old rambunc�ous boys and ac�ng tough. As we were able to get one at a �me alone they started showing us their good grades and turned into very polite boys. The Rangers showed them love and concern for how difficult it is to be young these days. The boys were
ini�ally indifferent to our message, but tey gradually warmed up and began to truly listen. And that's what we did. What a rewarding duty.
Pinal
The Pinal Company had the pleasure of assis�ng the Eloy Police Department with keeping a�endees safe at the Eloy 75th Anniversary & Christmas Celebra�on hosted by the Eloy Community Services Department.
A couple of the Rangers were Speakers of the Month at the Arizona City Chamber of Commerce luncheon. They discussed the organiza�on as a whole, including training, types of du�es worked, and areas and organiza�ons served.
The Pinal Company were proud to once again assist with the Arizona City Fire District Santa Fly-In. Arizona City Fire District Annual Santa Fly-In was amazing. We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this extra special for the community. Santa and the Mrs. are simply the best. There were a lot of families who pa�ently waited, we loved seeing all the happy faces.
The Pinal Company was again honored to have given an assist to Eloy Police Department and the Eloy Chamber of Commerce for this fun event that drew thousands of a�endees. The Eloy Police Department was happy to help with tonight's Balloon Glow. The Eloy Chamber of Commerce sponsored this awesome event. As always we had an amazing security and safety team.
The Pinal Company had a great �me for our Halloween duty, Annual Trunk o' Treat it was the best it could be. The local support was all we could hope for.
Something to note…
We wish all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Show Low
Show Low Company was invited by White Mountain Helping Hands to par�cipate in their 2nd Annual Fes�val of Trees on November 23, 2024.
White Mountain Helping Hands is a 501(c)(3) charity organiza�on that raises funds to give back to local nonprofit organiza�ons.
Sgt. Ray Brown of Show Low Company along with his wife Kathleen went to local businesses and raised money and collected donated items to place under the tree. Tools, guns, gun safes, kitchen wares, gi� cer�ficates and more were collected from the local businesses. They also decorated the tree in true Arizona Ranger fashion.
Thirteen Show Low Company Rangers a�ended the event and Ranger Roger Wade and his wife Jeanne who are professional musicians provided the entertainment.
Over 300 people a�ended the event and the Arizona Rangers tree and items were auc�oned off by Jineane Ford and raised $7,000. The event raised almost $25,000 which will go to assist local nonprofits.
At the event, White Mountain Helping Hands presented two new Zoll AED defibrillators to Show Low Company for their assistance with all the fes�vi�es.
These AEDs will be carried by Show Low Company Rangers at all our du�es.
Sun Lakes
Sun Lakes Rangers and AZLEOS Spread Holiday Cheer to Kids in Need
In 2024, the Arizona Rangers-Sun Lakes Company again partnered with AZLEOS to bring holiday joy to underprivileged children in the Sun Lakes and Chandler communities. Through their participation in the annual Shop With a Cop program, the Rangers are working to ensure that dozens of kids wake up on Christmas morning with smiles on their faces and presents under the tree.
The Sun Lakes Rangers have embraced the holiday spirit, donating $6,000 to sponsor 50 children this Christmas season. By working closely with AZLEOS, the Sun Lakes Rangers aim to create meaningful experiences for the youth in their community.
“We believe every child deserves to feel the magic of the holidays,” said Captain Ron Burchett of the Sun Lakes Company. “Seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces has been one of the best experiences I’ve had as a Ranger.”
Shop With a Cop is a unique event that pairs children with law enforcement officers, including the Arizona Rangers. During the event, kids receive a $125 gift certificate to purchase Christmas gifts.
Families often leave with more than just presents— they gain a renewed sense of connection with their community. The program also helps children see law
Some events to note…
enforcement officers as approachable and supportive figures.
The commitment of the Sun Lakes Rangers and the generosity of the Sun Lakes Community has been instrumental in the success of this initiative. Captain Burchett highlighted the program’s alignment with the Rangers’ mission to support youth organizations and activities.
“This is our fourth consecutive year participating in Shop With a Cop, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of our work,” he shared.
Thanks to the efforts of the Arizona Rangers-Sun Lakes Company, the generous community donations received, and AZLEOS, underprivileged kids in the area will have a brighter holiday season filled with smiles, laughter, and lasting memories.
Tombstone
Arizona Rangers 2024: A Year of Service, Tradi�on, and Community Engagement
2024 has proven to be a year of service and deepening �es to the communi�es we are honored to serve. As we reflect on the events of the year, it is clear that the Arizona Rangers con�nue to embody the values of courage, duty, and tradi�on while embracing opportuni�es to support our fellow ci�zens across the state. This year, several key events highlighted our commitment to training new candidates, preserving our heritage, and ac�vely contribu�ng to the Tombstone community.
Tombstone ARTA Training: Preparing the Next Genera�on of Rangers
In 2024, we hosted a memorable ARTA (Arizona Rangers Training Academy) event in Tombstone, where new candidates underwent a rigorous training program designed to equip them with the skills necessary to serve with dis�nc�on.
The candidates were not only tested physically and mentally, but they were also treated to the best of Tombstone’s hospitality. Tombstone Company provided a full BBQ to candidate and trainers, ensuring that our candidates were well-fed and energized as they par�cipated in their training exercises.
Honoring an Arizona Range Equine
Our presence at the event was not only to par�cipate in the fun, but to lend our support in ensuring the safety and security of the community. From assis�ng with event logis�cs to helping manage crowds, Rangers were involved in every aspect of the celebra�on.
Our role in the "Dog Days" celebra�on underscores our ongoing commitment to Tombstone and the surrounding areas, providing a visible and ac�ve presence that allows residents and visitors to enjoy the event in safety and peace.
Protec�ng the Tombstone Community: Suppor�ng a Town Mee�ng
In 2024, the Arizona Rangers con�nued their role as part of the community, par�cularly in Tombstone, where we worked alongside the Tombstone Marshal’s office to assist with a poten�ally conten�ous town elec�on mee�ng. As with all of our community support efforts, the Rangers were there to ensure the safety of ci�zens a�ending this important gathering.
It is with sadness we report the loss of Lt Col Lisa Penney’s beloved horse Newly. Newly had par�cipated in many parades, walkdowns and patrols of the historic district of Tombstone.
He was named a�er Newly O’Brien from Gunsmoke, and lived 31 years. Our condolences go out to Lt ColPenney and Captain Mike Penney.
Suppor�ng Tombstone’s "Dog Days" Celebra�on Arizona Rangers from around the state were once again on hand to support the Tombstone’s "Dog Days" event.
The collabora�on with local law enforcement and community leaders exemplifies the spirit of partnership that defines the Arizona Rangers. By standing alongside the Tombstone Marshal’s office, we helped maintain order and provided reassurance to the community, demonstra�ng that the Arizona Rangers are not only a law enforcement agency but a vital part of the fabric of Arizona’s history and future.
We look forward to con�nuing this vital work in the years to come, always with respect for the past and a deep commitment to the future of our great state.
Tucson
This past weekend the Arizona Rangers Tucson Co. was very busy. We were involved in 11 community and Law Enforcement events. Your Arizona Rangers had fun and enjoyed engaging with the community while helping provide a safe environment. We even helped teach some young South Tucson Explorers traffic control.
We recently had the pleasure of helping the Pascua Yaqui Police, Fire and Tribal Community with unloading and moving boxes upon boxes of toys that they will be dispersing for their annual community Christmas party this year. It’s always a pleasure to help out and, also enjoy hanging out with the Pasqua Yaqui Community.
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Did You Know. Did you know that Tucson Co. has a Ranger that is related to one of the original 25 Territorial Arizona Rangers? Lt. John Bap�st "Jack" Foster, was a Territorial Arizona Ranger from 1902 to 1907 and was Tucson Company’s own Lt. Jack Foster’s Great Uncle on his father’s side. Tucson’s Lt. Jack Foster has been an Arizona Ranger since July 01, 2009 star�ng with the Sonoita Company. He transferred to the Tucson Company in 2016 un�l the present �me. During this �me he has been a State Development Commi�ee Member, is currently the State Quartermaster, Tucson Co’s current Chaplain, and is also a Life Ranger and Emeritus Ranger. We are very grateful for “OUR” Lt. Jack Foster and all he does for Tucson Co. he is a man with many hats and we appreciate all he does. Tucson Company Arizona Rangers would like to
Tucson Co. had some military & First Responder du�es recently. The 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball & Rockin' 4 Heroes concert. Rockin 4 Heroes is a concert to honor and support First Responders, Ac�ve Military, Veterans, and Gold Star families; to raise awareness of their service and sacrifice, and to inspire future heroes who will serve and protect our communi�es, state, and na�on. We are honored to be involved with these events. Thank you to everyone that came out for this years Trunk or Treat!! It was a great success. Tons of candy, smiles, laughs, and a few fun scares!! So many amazing costumes!! Already looking forward to next years event!!
congratulate Master Sgt. Ryan Wya�, Sgt. Harper Peterson, and Sgt Ramon Thomas on receiving the Arizona Rangers Mossman Meritorious Service Medal. The Second highest honor in the Arizona Rangers Organiza�on. The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to any Arizona Ranger who has performed outstanding and meritorious service to the Arizona Rangers and the State of Arizona in a duty or series of du�es of significant responsibility. The performance of duty must be such as to merit recogni�on for service which is recognized as excep�onal in either a singular exemplary assignment or in a series of significant and challenging assignments. Their commitment to duty and willingness to go above and beyond truly shows what Arizona Rangers stand for.
Congratula�ons gentlemen on a job well done!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Verde Valley
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Sergeant Jim Moore, Verde Valley Company, officially took custody of his bronze statue “Big Iron” by sculptor Raymond Gibby. The
statue is a customized issue of Gibby’s limited issue “Big Iron” statue. The statue included a likeness of the Arizona Ranger badge instead of that of another well-known Ranger organiza�on. Taking place at the Mountain View Gallery in Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village in Sedona, AZ, other members of the Arizona Rangers organiza�on joined Sergeant Moore on this momentous occasion.
As the fall season slowly arrives, images of ghosts and pumpkins came in October, the Arizona City Fire District had its annual Trunk O’ Treat event. It was a great event, we saw more than the 2,000 kids and we expected the district went through over 3,000 pounds of candy.
The City of Co�onwood’s 70th Annual Christmas Parade was held on Saturday, December 7th . The Co�onwood
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Christmas Parade is a beloved Holiday tradi�on, organized each year by the Greater Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce. The parade features floats, fancy cars, dogs, horses, dancers, old tractors, fire trucks, and lots of fun.
Santa flew in by helicopter late Friday morning at the Co�onwood airport to help start the "Shop With A Cop Event". Every year Verde Valley law enforcement departments become Christmas heroes to some lower income families by taking children to shop for presents. This years police departments include Co�onwood, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Sedona, Yavapai Country, YavapaiApache, Yavapai College and Jerome Police Departments.
We are going strong as we close the year. Our du�es have well served our community form Trunk O Treat, Walk to End Alzheimer to Rodeos and beyond. We look forward to an incredible 2025! Happy New Year!!
Award to our own…
On November 2nd - Bethany’s Gait held their annual Heroes Among Us banquet at the Buckin’ Burro Ranch in Williamson Valley.
Two Arizona Rangers from Granite Mountain Company were chosen for a pres�gious award.
Lt Tim Thomas received the Lt Colonel David Weir Military Award based on his efforts to donate �me and support of Veterans in the Quad City community - Lt Thomas is a re�red Navy Veteran and Internal Inves�ga�on Officer for the Granite Mountain Company of the Arizona Rangers.
Major Stan Herrera received the Sgt Richard Lopez 1st Responder award for his efforts to donate �me and support
to giving back to the Quad City community as a 1st Responder. Major Herrera is a USCG veteran, re�red Juneau Police Department and Nothern Area Commander of the Arizona Rangers.
Lt Thomas and I were humbled and honored to receive these pres�gious awards from a block of submi�ed applica�ons for considera�on.
The widow of Sgt Lopez (Kym Lopez) presented the award to Major Herrera to include a Challenge coin with Sgt Lopez’ picture
Lt Thomas was not able to a�end the banquet - Lt Arsenault of the GMC Command Staff received the award on his behalf.
Granite Mountain Company provided 4 Rangers for security at this event.
Trump Motorcade New MOU
On November 13, mul�ple companies came together to serve the Secret Service, DPS and Presco� Valley PD. We were task to secure the motorcade route of then candidate for president Trump. The duty opera�on was performed like clockwork, securing intersec�on, rou�ng traffic and finally a total traffic stop. It was great to see all the rangers work as one and best of all it was a duty everyone would do again if asked.
The Williams Police Department (WPD) is pleased to announce a new collabora�on with the Arizona Rangers, a longstanding volunteer organiza�on dedicated to suppor�ng law enforcement across Arizona.
On November 30th - the Arizona Rangers in the Northern Area Command par�cipated in providing traffic and crowd control for the Williams Police Department in Williams, Arizona for their annual Christmas Parade. This effort was a direct result of a recently signed MOU with the Williams PD and the Arizona Rangers.
Rangers represen�ng High Country, Mohave Company and Granite Mountain provided 18 Rangers to assist with this effort. The Williams Police Department was very complimentary of the effort and services provided. There will be more duty opportuni�es this next year under the direc�on of Granite Mountain Company and their efforts to provide Law Enforcement Assist training to the outlying Ranger companies.
