Texas Ranger Association Foundation

Texas Ranger Association Foundation Texas Ranger Association Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We exist to educate and preserve the history and legacy of the Texas Rangers.
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On September 1, 1935, the Texas Department of Public Safety officially beganoperations, marking a significant turning po...
09/01/2026

On September 1, 1935, the Texas Department of Public Safety officially began

operations, marking a significant turning point in the proud history of the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers, whose roots stretch back to 1823, became a division of the newly created Department of Public Safety. This transition brought the Rangers into a modern, professional law-enforcement structure while preserving the traditions of service, courage and dedication that had defined the Rangers for more than a century.
The creation of DPS did not create the Texas Rangers, it ushered them into a new chapter of their storied history. From the Republic of Texas to the modern day, the Texas

Rangers have remained committed to one enduring mission: serving and protecting the people of Texas. ⭐️

Celebrating 50 years of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame! ⭐️TRAF was honored to join the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum...
08/31/2026

Celebrating 50 years of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame! ⭐️

TRAF was honored to join the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, Texas Rangers, community leaders, and special guests for a memorable 50th Anniversary Dinner.

We were proud to celebrate alongside retired Texas Ranger James Holland, Chief Jason Bobo, Assistant Chief Kip Westmoreland, Major Wende Wakeman, and many others who continue to honor the history and legacy of the Texas Rangers.

Congratulations to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame on 50 remarkable years! We’re grateful to be part of this special celebration and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.

Photo 1: Chief Jason Bobo, Assistant Chief Kip Westmoreland, TRAF Chairman David Gaither, Retired Ranger James Holland, and Major Reuben Mankin.

Photo 2: Greg Copeland, TRAF Board Director Michelle Copeland, and Assistant Chief Kip Westmoreland.

Photo 3: Retired Ranger James Holland, Chief Jason Bobo, and Major Wende Wakeman.

Photo 4: Major Reuben Mankin, Retired Ranger Matt Cawthon, TRAF Board Director Steve LaMantia, and TRAF Board Director Michelle Copeland.

Photo 5: Retired Captain Barry Caver and TRAF Chairman David Gaither.

On August 20, TRAF was pleased to welcome Paige Mudd, Executive Director of Bob Tallman’s Charity, for a special tour of...
08/28/2026

On August 20, TRAF was pleased to welcome Paige Mudd, Executive Director of Bob Tallman’s Charity, for a special tour of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

We are grateful for Bob Tallman’s Charity’s continued support and for the opportunity to share the history and enduring legacy of the Texas Rangers. We look forward to continuing this valued partnership.

📸 Group Photo: Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon, Ret.; Janet Padilla, Executive Director, TRAF; Paige Mudd, Executive Director, Bob Tallman’s Charity; Cathy Cundiff; and Carl Lambert, Immediate Past Chairman, TRAF.

📸 Tour Photo 1: Major Wende Wakeman; Ranger Matt Cawthon, Ret.; Cathy Cundiff; Paige Mudd; Carl Lambert; Lt. Chad Matlock; and Museum Docent Jan Devereaux.

📸 Tour Photo 2: Ranger Matt Cawthon, Ret.; Carl Lambert; Paige Mudd; and Cathy Cundiff.

Thank you, Paige, for joining us and experiencing the stories and traditions preserved at the Museum.

A New Chapter Begins for the Texas Rangers Division 🤠⭐️​The Texas Ranger Association Foundation proudly congratulates Ch...
08/28/2026

A New Chapter Begins for the Texas Rangers Division 🤠⭐️

​The Texas Ranger Association Foundation proudly congratulates Chief Jason Bobo on his appointment as Chief of the Texas Rangers Division (effective Sept. 1, 2026), and Ranger Major Kip Westmoreland as Assistant Chief!

​Chief Bobo brings 20+ years of law enforcement experience, including over 15 years as a Texas Ranger. Together with Assistant Chief Westmoreland, their leadership and service will guide the Rangers into their next chapter.

​We also express our deepest gratitude to Chief Scotty Shiver, who is retiring after 31 years of dedicated service to Texas and the DPS. Thank you, Chief Shiver, for your extraordinary legacy.

​Please join us in congratulating Chief Bobo and Assistant Chief Westmoreland, and thanking Chief Shiver for his remarkable career!
​Three exceptional Rangers. One proud tradition. A new chapter begins.

​ ScottyShiver RangerTradition TexasHistory

Texas Ranger John B. Armstrong Captures OutlawOn August 24, 1877, one of Texas’ most notorious outlaws finally met his m...
08/25/2026

Texas Ranger John B. Armstrong Captures Outlaw

On August 24, 1877, one of Texas’ most notorious outlaws finally met his match.

Texas Rangers and local authorities confronted John Wesley Hardin aboard a train in Pensacola,

Florida. Hardin attempted to draw his pistol, but the weapon became tangled in his suspenders.

Officers knocked him unconscious and took him into custody.

Two of Hardin’s companions were also arrested. A third man, identified as Mann, had a pistol in his

hand and was killed by Texas Ranger John B. Armstrong, who had pursued Hardin across the

country.

The capture was a remarkable example of Ranger determination. John B. Armstrong, known as

“McNelly’s Bulldog”, had tracked one of the most feared gunmen of the Texas frontier beyond the

borders of Texas and helped bring him to justice.

The capture of John Wesley Hardin became one of the legendary episodes in the history of the Texas

Rangers.



RangerHistory TRAF ThisDayInHistory

Yesterday, August 12, we remembered an important moment in Texas Ranger history: the Battle of Plum Creek.On August 12, ...
08/13/2026

Yesterday, August 12, we remembered an important moment in Texas Ranger history: the Battle of Plum Creek.

On August 12, 1840, Texas Rangers led by Ben McCulloch joined fellow Texans and Tonkawa allies in pursuing the Comanche following the Great Comanche Raid on Victoria and Linnville.

The Battle of Plum Creek became a defining moment in the early history of the Texas Rangers, highlighting the courage, determination, and frontier skills that helped defend the Republic of Texas.

Remembering the people and events that shaped the Texas Ranger story.


TexasRangerAssociationFoundation OnThisDay

50th Anniversary of the Texas Ranger Hall of FameThis invitation is being shared by the Texas Ranger Association Foundat...
08/09/2026

50th Anniversary of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame

This invitation is being shared by the Texas Ranger Association Foundation on behalf of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Join the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum as they celebrate 50 years of honoring the legacy, service, and sacrifice of the Hall of Fame Rangers.

📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
📍 Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
100 Texas Ranger Trail
Waco, Texas 76706

🕠 Doors Open: 5:30 PM
🍽️ Dinner: 6:30 PM
Dinner & Silent Auction

🎙️ Guest Speaker:
Texas Ranger James Holland, Ret.

🎟️ Tickets:
General Admission — $125
Texas Rangers & their spouses — $85

For more information or to reserve your tickets, please contact the Museum at (254) 750-8631.

RSVP by August 21, 2026.

The Beginning Of a Legacy On August 4, 1823, Stephen F. Austin called upon a small group of citizens to “act as Rangers ...
08/04/2026

The Beginning Of a Legacy

On August 4, 1823, Stephen F. Austin called upon a small group of citizens to “act as Rangers for the common defense.”

Tasked with protecting families and defending the Texas frontier, these first volunteers began a legacy defined by courage, honor, and service.

More than 200 years later, the words written by Austin continue to echo through generations of Texas Rangers who have answered the call to protect the people of Texas.

TexasRangerAssociationFoundation PreservingHistory

Working Together to Preserve the Texas Ranger LegacyThe Texas Ranger Association Foundation is grateful for the opportun...
07/31/2026

Working Together to Preserve the Texas Ranger Legacy

The Texas Ranger Association Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our partners at The Texas Ranger Museum, learn more about one another's work, and explore ways we can collaborate to preserve and share the legacy and heritage of the Texas Rangers.

During the visit, David Gaither, Chairman of the Texas Ranger Association Foundation, Retired Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon, Audrey Ladd, Operations Manager for The Texas Ranger Museum, and museum staff shared ideas and discussed opportunities to continue working together in support of our shared mission.

We look forward to building on this collaboration and finding new ways to carry this important history forward for future generations.



PreservingHistory Legacy

07/24/2026

Behind the Badge | Texas Rangers Company C Major Patrick Peña

Every Texas Ranger has a story.

In this edition of Behind the Badge, Company C Major Patrick Peña reflects on his career with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers, the legacy of service inspired by his father, and the unwavering support of his wife and three children throughout his journey.

Watch his story and discover the dedication, sacrifice, and values behind the badge.

Watch the full interview on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGwU-VWxTUU

Address

104 Texas Ranger Trl
Waco, TX
76706

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(254) 752-1001

Website

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