Colorado Mounted Rangers                                      Troop D Since 1957

Links Calendar Training CMR Website Rangers Only Area Press Releases Education Capt. Bryce & Ranger Queen discuss a possible course of action while on a recent call-out Troop D P.O. Box 12 Durango, CO 81302

It's been a busy summer with Search and Rescue efforts for Troop D. In most cases, a lack of preparedness for changing conditions got people into trouble. With Hunting Seasons upon us, we hope everyone takes to the woods prepared and competent with their survival skills. Have a safe hunt! The Colorado Mounted Rangers are the oldest law enforcement organization in Colorado, formed in 1861 in the Colorado Territory. Troop D was formed in 1957 to meet the needs of La Plata County and Southwest Colorado. Over the years, the role of the Rangers has changed from Law Enforcement to a Volunteer Community Service Organization which assists in Search and Rescue, Crowd/Traffic Control, Security and Community Education. The Rangers still assist Law Enforcement Agencies when requested. The Colorado Mounted Rangers operate as a non-profit organization and depend on donations to sustain the organization.            Lt. Col. Johnson with his "horse" Troop D, based in Durango, is the oldest active troop in Colorado and is one of the largest and most diverse in the makeup of it's membership. While most of Troop D is still mounted on horseback, Rangers can be seen on skis, ATVs, motorcycles, 4x4 vehicles, afoot and working with search dogs. The Rangers of Troop D are a close-knit unit. To become a Troop D Ranger, one must be acquainted with a current Ranger in good standing who is willing to sponsor the candidate. The candidate, upon completing an application, is then subject to background checks and a three month Application Period before being voted on by the entire Troop. An additional 3 month Probationary Period ensues. These steps assure that the Troop is made up of honest Rangers who can depend on each other, and, more important, that the public and Law Enforcement Agencies can depend upon. Training is an ongoing exercise which includes firearms training and qualifications, firstaid/CPR, GPS, communications procedures, working with aircraft and back country survival. Some of the training sessions are open to the public, for a fee. Fees collected, go into the Troop Treasury to help purchase much needed equipment so we can meet the various challenges presented by the wide range of services Troop D provides as a Volunteer entity. Most of the equipment the Rangers use is purchased by the individual Rangers, at their own expense. Specialized equipment is purchased by the Troop. Left to right: Capt. Bryce, Col. Gurule, Ranger Callahan, Ranger Queen, 1st Sgt Anderson, Riding behind, Ranger Young & Ranger Bruce

Upcoming Events Troop D meets the first Tuesday of every month at the La Plata County Fairgrounds  September 18 Firearms Qualifications September 20 Durango Food Bank Commodities Distribution September 25 Fall Squadron Meeting Salida, CO Rangers @ Bayfield Parade