One riot, one Ranger

Actual patch and replica badge of the renowned Texas Rangers. This organization is legendary and known the world around for integrity and tenacity. There have been dark days in the Rangers' history, but overall, this agency has a near-impeccable reputation. Today, just over 100 Rangers provide support to local law enforcement throughout the 254 counties in Texas. Once a part of the Adjutant General's department, since the 1930s the Rangers have been a part of the Department of Public Safety. Those wishing to be Rangers must have 8 years of law enforcement experience, at least two years of which must be with the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. The Rangers saw some periods of disgrace during border skirmishes in the late 1800s and early 1900s where they exacted unnecessary violence against both suspected and innocent Mexicans. The Rangers also lost some cachet during the reign of the Governors Ferguson (both "Ma" and "Pa" who used the Rangers for political purposes and both expanded the Ranger force with unqualified personnel and reduced the ranks of the Rangers well below functional levels.)

The Rangers were particularly effective in bringing peace to rowdy oil towns where lawlessness and corruption ran rampant. One of the most famous Ranger legends involves a local Sheriff contacting Austin for help from the Rangers in quelling a riot in his town. The Sheriff met the arriving train and was surprised to find only one Ranger disembarking. The Sheriff stammered to the Ranger, "There's only one of you?" The Ranger reportedly replied, "There's only one riot, isn't there?" This event, aprocyphal as it may be, laid the groundwork for the famous saying, "One riot, one ranger."

Another well known Ranger saying is "There's no stoppin' a man who's in the right and keeps on a-comin'." I'd like to think that's right.

There is perhaps no more famous icon for Texas than the Rangers.

State law specifically protects the image of the Ranger badge.

More information on the Texas Rangers can be found here.