Sierra Vista Company

The first time an Arizona Ranger was invited across the border into Mexico was in 1906, when Captain Rynning was invited across by the Governor of Sonora, Mexico. Rynning was invited into the State of Sonora, along with his Arizona Rangers (surreptitiously) to relieve the mining garrison in Cananea, Mexico. 

The mine, managed by American interests, was primarily staffed by Mexican National workers. A strike was in progress, and there was great fear that the American management would be killed. Rynning and his party rode across the border, enduring gunfire from opposing groups. On his arrival in Sonora, he was sworn in as a Colonel in the Mexican Army, with two of his Lieutenants being sworn in as Majors. 

Arriving in Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, the Arizona Rangers (or were they Mexican Soldiers?) relieved the Garrison, saving the lives of the American citizens. Soon, the Mexican Army, led by a man with the improbable name of Colonel Emilio Kosterlitzky (a Russian expatriate) relieved Rynning, and his Arizona Rangers. 

An  interesting note is that the Governor of Arizona was frantically trying to order Rynning n-o-t to cross the border. His telegrams were intercepted by friends of the embattled Americans, and Rynning never saw the telegrams. He did remark, however, "I'll probably lose my commission over this." 

Rynning did not suffer from his actions. The governments of Mexico and the United States of America ratified his incursion, validating what would otherwise have been an act of war. 

Nearly 100 years later, Captain Mike Dennis, Commander of the Sierra Vista Company of the Arizona Rangers, was invited by Mexican officials to attend the signing of a bi-national mutual aid agreement. In full uniform, (minus his weapon,) he attended the ceremony. The signing was held in Naco, Sonora, Mexico. With great pomp and circumstance, officials of both nations signed the agreement. During the ceremony, all of the invited guests were publicly announced. 

From the speaker system came the words: 

"Michael Dennis, Capitán
Comandante de la Compania Sierra Vista
de Rangers de Arizona" 

The crowd politely applauded. What a difference 96 years makes!