Origins & Early History
Southwest Territory Rangers
Both British and Colonial units were commissioned as Rangers in what is now known as Tennessee, establishing the earliest tradition of ranger service in the region.
War of 1812
Large numbers of unconventional riflemen and "Tennessee Mounted Gunmen" were enlisted and commissioned as volunteers. This is the origin of the term "Tennessee Volunteers".
Civil War Era
Multiple formations of Tennessee Partisan Rangers and Volunteer Cavalry were formed by both sides during the Civil War.
The Modern Rangers
From their official formation in 1915 to their revival in 2019, the Tennessee Rangers have continued their mission of service to the people of Tennessee.
Formation of the Tennessee Rangers
The Governor of Tennessee created a paramilitary unit, the Tennessee Rangers, organized as an auxiliary constabulary unit under the authority of the Tennessee Adjutant General. 10 Chief Tennessee Rangers were endorsed by the Governor to enforce laws during civil unrest and assist counties in need.
Stewart County Operations
Rangers were successfully deployed to end a rash of murders, intimidation, lynchings and destruction of properties in Stewart County by the Ku Klux Klan.
Chattanooga Labor Operations
Chief Ranger, Maj. James P. Fyffe mobilized a number of Deputy Rangers and led operations to quell violent labor conflicts in Chattanooga. Tennessee Rangers performed dangerous undercover investigative work to interdict criminals throughout Tennessee.
World War I
The Rangers helped maintain order during World War I while the National Guard was deployed abroad.
End of the Original Rangers
The Tennessee Rangers cease to be mentioned in the State record after 1923. The Rangers, being the first Tennessee State Law Enforcement, are supplanted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The Rangers Ride Again
The Tennessee Rangers are revived as a Non-Profit Tennessee Public Benefit Formation, Humanitarian Aid Organization and Select Auxiliary Constabulary of Tennessee's best professionals from multiple fields of expertise.
Recent Operations
Since their revival in 2019, the Tennessee Rangers have responded to numerous emergencies and disasters across Tennessee and beyond.
Middle Tennessee Tornado Response
Tennessee Rangers deployed as a unit conducting search & rescue, sawyer operations, food & water point service, improvised road construction, debris removal and after-action follow up for citizens in the destruction zone.
Nashville Civil Unrest Response
Squadron Members conducted event tracking, critical incident response and community intelligence dissemination to public safety and industry security leaders. Rangers were critical in preserving Tennessee treasures including the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies, The Stage Bar and other downtown Nashville venues.
Waverly Flood Response
The Squadron deployed to Waverly, Tennessee in response to devastating floods, providing search and recovery operations, waterborne search, technical debris removal and supply and water points in the town.
Kentucky-Tennessee Tornado Response
Tennessee Ranger Squadron Sawyers activated in the aftermath of tornadoes that destroyed areas throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. As a VOAD State Representative, the Squadron coordinated as the premier technical debris removal experts with TEMA, Dickson EMA and charitable groups.
Ukraine Humanitarian Mission
Tennessee Rangers sent a small contingent to Ukraine on a humanitarian aid and fact-finding effort, providing medical training (TCCC) and coordination to Ukrainian Marines and UA Army and establishing tasking with NGOs in the country. Upon the Russian invasion 14 days later, Rangers were in a forward position to assist with evacuation from the war zone. The Squadron ran an OSINT collection effort to support Tennessee Military Department assets and worked in the Ukrainian theater to establish medical triage protocols and conduct extensive NEO.
Appalachian Strong Mission
In the wake of floods that devastated East Tennessee and North Carolina mountain towns, the Tennessee Ranger Squadron deployed with Scout Swimmers, Boat Teams and Air Wing assets to provide specialized support and expertise. Tennessee Ranger Scout Swimmers conducted extremely dangerous technical waterborne rescues, drone operations, Search & Rescue and critical skill provision in the midst of catastrophic conditions. Rangers continue to assist the people damaged by this event and serve the local communities in the region.
Service Continues
Each day and night, Tennessee Rangers provide charitable community outreach, specialist consulting and emergency assistance when called upon or needed by The People, The State of Tennessee and its treasures.
The Tennessee Rangers continue to serve The People of Tennessee, today, tomorrow and the next...