In the annals of Arizona’s untamed Wild West, the names of formidable lawmen often echo through history, none more prominent than Captain Harry Wheeler of the renowned Arizona Rangers. Yet, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Wheeler in dedication and bravery was another exceptional lawman, Nabor Pacheco, whose contributions, though less widely known, were equally vital to justice in the Arizona Territory. This narrative delves into the extraordinary bond between these two remarkable individuals, whose lives, separated by 15 years in age and distinct upbringings, converged through shared duty and a profound, enduring friendship.
Their careers were marked by parallel experiences: both served as Arizona Sheriffs and Deputy U.S. Marshals, both were wounded in the line of duty, and both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the law, often at great personal cost.
Early Lives and Paths to Law Enforcement
Born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1861, Nabor Pacheco hailed from pure Spanish ancestry. He was the eldest of seven children, growing up amidst the burgeoning farming and ranching enterprises of his family, who held one of Arizona’s earliest registered brands, the “Diamond Bell.” His father, Refugio, was a successful businessman and an active figure in local politics, providing Nabor with a strong foundation.
Captain Harry Wheeler, born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1875, came from a military background; his father, 2nd Lt. William Wheeler, was a West Point graduate of English descent. Harry served five years in the U.S. Cavalry, attaining the rank of Sergeant before his discharge from Fort Grant, Arizona, in 1902. His formal entry into law enforcement began on July 6, 1903, when he joined the Arizona Rangers, setting the stage for his legendary career.
A Shared Path of Duty and Danger
When Harry Wheeler began his tenure with the Arizona Rangers in 1903, Nabor Pacheco was already a seasoned Constable in the Tucson Police Force, having started as a beat policeman in 1896. By this time, Pacheco had accumulated a formidable record, arresting numerous lawbreakers, preventing a murder, and surviving a violent shootout. He was even part of a Tucson posse that pursued the notorious Burt Alvord gang, a group the Arizona Rangers would also frequently encounter. It is highly probable that Pacheco and Wheeler crossed paths multiple times during 1903-1904. However, their professional collaboration and deep friendship truly blossomed when Pacheco was elected Pima County Sheriff for two consecutive terms (1904-1908), while Wheeler had risen to the rank of Sergeant within the Rangers.
Their shared experiences extended to pioneering the use of service dogs in law enforcement. Pacheco was known to have
