In the Line of Duty: Reflections of a Texas Ranger Private

by Lewis C. Rigler, Judyth W. Rigler, Eric T. Rigler (Afterword)

Growing up in Central Texas in the early part of this century as a young man from a poor farming family, Lewis Rigler decided that there must be something else out there. That “something else” turned out to be an appointment to the Texas Rangers. In a career spanning three decades, Ranger Rigler witnessed an era of great political and social turbulence and change in the state as well as within the Ranger force he had sworn to serve. His service involved investigations into kidnappings, murders, strike violence, burglary rings—all manner of cases. Some he solved; others remained elusive. Along the way, he saved a life or two; others, he could not.

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[James Tritten · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I enjoyed, really enjoyed, reading a book. Glad I read some, but didn't always enjoy them. In the Line of Duty is a book I really enjoyed. I liked the writing style - homey - and could visualize Lewis Rigler sitting in a rocker on a porch in Texas, telling these stories to his daughter-in-law Judyth who then transcribed them into text. I loved the vignettes - each shimmering images of a life spent in a noble profession for all the right reasons. Lewis must have been a great man to know, and I am poorer for having never made his acquaintance. I do know his son Rick from our mutual time in the Navy and Judyth - they now live nearby. I was given a copy of this book by them with no expectation of me writing a review. Thanks, Rick and Judyth - I would have loved to have known Lewis, and I am a better person for knowing him through your efforts. P.S. Read the Afterword by Eric first to get the context. Highly recommended.

[Jim Tritten · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I enjoyed, really enjoyed, reading a book. Glad I read some, but didn't always enjoy them. In the Line of Duty is a book I really enjoyed. I liked the writing style - homey - and could visualize Lewis Rigler sitting in a rocker on a porch in Texas, telling these stories to his daughter-in-law Judyth who then transcribed them into text. I loved the vignettes - each shimmering images of a life spent in a noble profession for all the right reasons. Lewis must have been a great man to know, and I am poorer for having never made his acquaintance. I do know his son Rick from our mutual time in the Navy and Judyth - they now live nearby. I was given a copy of this book by them with no expectation of me writing a review. Thanks, Rick and Judyth - I would have loved to have known Lewis, and I am a better person for knowing him through your efforts. P.S. Read the Afterword by Eric first to get the context. Highly recommended.

[Robert Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book . It gave me a sense of what it is a Ranger does on a day to day basis. All the little unknown stories held my attention. Mr. Rigler would have been a very interesting man to have known.