Deputy Sheriff James Joseph Slater, Spokane County Sheriff's Department, Washington

Deputy Sheriff James Joseph Slater

Spokane County Sheriff's Department, Washington

End of Watch Friday, August 29, 2003

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James Joseph Slater

Deputy Sheriff James Slater was killed in an automobile crash while en route to back up a fellow officer who was following a stolen vehicle at 2:27 a.m.

A citizen called 911 and reported a patrol vehicle in the ditch and the deputy unconscious on Sout Grove Road. It is believed that Deputy Slater started sliding on a corner and overcorrected, causing him to hit a utility pole that flipped the patrol car four times.

Deputy Slater was flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Deputy Slater was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Spokane County Sheriff's Department for 2.5 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 2 years, 6 months
Badge 591186

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

single vehicle crash, Back up for fellow officer(s), stolen vehicle

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Gunny Slater, as I knew him during our shared service in the US Marine Corps, was the ultimate professional and an individual of the highest integrity and dedication to his unit, the Corps and our country. I learned so much from him and think often of him & his ability to teach, lead and do everything with a smile and sense of pride and purpose.

Gunny, you are missed and I am one of many who are better for having known you.

Creighton Reed
US Marine Corps, former teammate

April 7, 2024