Arizona Ranchers to Be More Cautious

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. - After one of their own was killed while riding the range, many ranchers in southeastern Arizona say they will be more cautious.

Cochise County rancher Robert Krentz was killed last Saturday on his 35,000 acre ranch north of Douglas.

Rancher Glenn Spencer said he is "taking extra precautions." Spencer did not elaborate, except to say he is deploying some additional technology.

Bisbee Junction rancher Richard Hodges said he has been concerned for a long time about Americans being killed by drug smugglers.

Hodges said when he goes into his pasture, he plans to look for spotters, and when he gets on top of ridges, he will stop and see if anybody is around him.

New Mexico sends Guardsmen to border

The New Mexico National Guard is planning how to put more troops along the state's border with Mexico to beef up surveillance after Gov. Bill Richardson on Wednesday ordered guardsmen to patrol the border.

Details are still being worked out for how many troops will be sent to the border and where they will be based.

A spokesman for the Guard, Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera, says the timeframe and scope of the work will determine how many soldiers will be activated.

Herrera says the Guard's focus will be observation posts and using infrared tools that can detect body heat and movement during nighttime hours.

More on rancher Robert Krentz

According to the Arizona Cattle Growers Association, Rob Krentz was a caretaker. He cared for his family, he cared for the land and he cared for the animals he and his family raised on the Krentz Ranch. These traits have been passed down through the Krentz family from one generation to the next.

"This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sue and their children.
Rob Krentz and his family have been long time members of the association and have always been willing to help those in need. The Krentz family has been stewards of the land for over 100 years constantly adapting to the changing environment. The ranching community will certainly miss cattlemen Rob Krentz," said ACGA in a statement.

ACGA is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of individuals involved in the tragic shooting of Rob Krentz. 

Memorial Fund: A Robert Krentz Memorial Fund has been established at Wells Fargo, Account #5560960899.