Person Record

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1 of 1977 W. D. Vickers

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Name

Vickers, W. D.

Othernames

William Delmar Vickers

Birthplace

Clairemont, Texas

Education

Ector College
Central Texas College

Notes

William D. Vickers was born in the East Texas town of Clairemont and raised in West Texas. He studied civil engineering in Ector College and later law enforcement at Central Texas College. Vickers began his career with the Department of Public Safety in 1964, and earned his position with the Texas Rangers in 1975. Ranger Vickers' service to the state took him first to northwest Texas, working out of Snyder, then back to eastern Texas -- Garland and Houston - for the remainder of his career.
The Ranger legacy drew Capt. Vickers to the DPS as a young man. After serving a decade in highway patrol, he earned his Ranger position, and reported to his first post with Capt. Rollins in Snyder. It was a memorable and emotional day - - Capt. Rollins died the day Vickers arrived, leaving Jay Pete Lynch in charge. Vickers quickly settled into his position and four-county area of responsibility. Eager to assist on any matter, he found the "white collar, paper-hanging" crimes particularly compelling. Forgeries and fraud caused serious consequences to the victims and society as a whole, yet they were not given their due attention. In a less automated era, the constant flow of workers in and out of the oil fields made tracking the suspects all the more difficult. Together with Charlie Hodges, Vickers was able to make significant inroads into oil field crime, some cases involving multi-state organizations.
Work in the Dallas area had a different tempo. While the large metropolitan region had resources and capabilities not found in rural communities, other Ranger divisions needed Ranger assistance with criminals making their way to Dallas county. Here the personal associations with officers, court officials and citizens developed into a valuable resource. As Vickers remarked, becoming a Texas Ranger changes a person. "A Ranger is driven to take care of business. Knowing one is continuing to uphold a legendary reputation, every investigation, no matter how minor, is important and builds on the legacy," Vickers said. "Rangers excel in providing honest, selfless service and exhibiting a sincere caring for each individual. Combined with determination and a faith in duty in the face of attempts at intimidation, Rangers are admired statewide for their work ethic. The qualities are not taught. They are part of the Ranger's character," he added.
During his Ranger career, Vickers served Co. B as a Ranger and later as captain. He was a Ranger initially in Snyder with Co. F and also served as sergeant, lieutenant and captain in Co. A in Houston. He retired from the Rangers in 2002.