Sierra Vista Company

[ Up ] [ About R. C. Turner ]

Today's Arizona Rangers
(Brochure for R.C. Turner Book)

From 1901 to 1909 a small band of Arizona Rangers tamed the vast and often lawless southwestern territory.  Today, a small and dedicated band of volunteers carries on the tradition of placing themselves in harm's way for the safety of others.  Today's Arizona Rangers come from all walks of life and are both male and female.  They range in age from their early twenties to Ranger Fay Fillmore, who is 82 years old.  They have one thing in common: a deep sense of obligation to their community, to each other, and to themselves. 

The men and women of the Arizona Rangers feel a sense of obligation, and a strong sense of responsibility for the safety of the members of their communities.  With the location of the Mexico - United States border only 17 miles to the south of Sierra Vista, and a growing gang problem throughout the state, the Rangers' duties continue to expand.  By seeking new and innovative ways to perform these duties, they are upholding the finest traditions of the Arizona Rangers.  Like the Rangers of old, these men and women provide their own uniforms and equipment.  Unlike their predecessors, today's Rangers are not paid.  What makes these men and woman routinely give up their free time to train, stand long boring watches, on guard for something that hopefully never happens, to willingly place themselves in harm's way in order to preserve other's lives?  Three of these brave souls have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.  The most recent was Sergeant John W. Thomas, killed in the line of duty on July 21, 1992. 

Seldom recognized, never paid, always at risk.  Perhaps Captain Harry Wheeler, Arizona Ranger from 1903 to 1909, said it best in 1910, "Were the Arizona Rangers patriots or fools?  I leave it to the questioner."  This and many other questions remain to be answered about Today's Arizona Rangers. 

R. C. Turner was born in Denver, Colorado.  Most of his family has served with distinction in the military or with law enforcement, including Denver Police Patrolman Pat Pollock who was killed in the line of duty in 1985.  R. C. Turner served in the United States Army for a total of 13 years as a special investigator.  His duties included conducting investigations, writing investigative reports and taking investigative photographs.  After being stationed as an Army instructor in Arizona, he became a full time resident of Sierra Vista, AZ.  He is a member of the Reid Institute and the Sierra Vista Camera Club.
 

Proudly Serving the State of Arizona for over 100 Years