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State Police Mourn Loss Of Retired Superintendent Colonel Denny M. Slane
March 12, 2010 | VACP
RICHMOND – The Virginia State Police are mourning the loss of retired Colonel Denny Meade Slane, 85, who passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Rockingham General Hospital in Harrisonburg, Va. Retired Colonel Slane served as Superintendent of State Police from 1977 to 1984. He was appointed to the position of Superintendent by then-Governor Mills E. Godwin and continued to serve in that capacity under Governors John N. Dalton and Charles S. Robb. Colonel Slane retired in October 1984, with 35 years of service with state police.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of retired Colonel Slane,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Colonel Slane was a well-respected and progressive leader in the field of law enforcement. A pillar of the community, he was known for his passion for public safety and service to the Commonwealth. His legacy epitomizes the Virginia State Police’s core values of valor, service and pride.”
During his tenure as Superintendent, the state police underwent significant organizational changes that are still in place today. In 1979, Colonel Slane oversaw the creation of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which replaced the Division of Investigation. A deputy superintendent position was created and two majors positions were added to the state police executive staff. In July 1980, a seventh State Police Division was created to incorporate the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. He also opened new Division headquarters offices in Richmond and Wytheville.
In addition, Colonel Slane’s career as Superintendent was also highlighted by successful efforts in both promoting highway safety and combating crime. Highway deaths fell to a record low for the first time in decades. Criminal arrests for fraud, embezzlement and distribution of illegal narcotics increased. He is also remembered for his responsiveness to state police employees’ concerns and suggestions. Based on input from his employees, Colonel Slane allowed for troopers to wear short-sleeve uniform shirts in the summer, for the installation of CB radios in patrol cars, and the introduction of overtime pay and employee recognition programs.
Retired Colonel Slane was born June 8, 1924, in Paw Paw, W.Va. Prior to joining the Virginia State Police in 1949 he served two years as a police officer with the Winchester, Va. Police Department. His decorated career with Virginia State Police began with his graduation from the state police Academy’s 17th Basic Session on Dec. 16, 1949. He served as a trooper in Greene and Rockingham counties until promotion to sergeant in 1956. While a sergeant he was assigned first to Administrative Headquarters in Richmond, and then to the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, and then to Area 6, which includes Colonial Heights and the counties of Chesterfield, Powhatan and Amelia.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 1961 and assigned to the Salem Division. On promotion to captain in 1966 he was assigned to the Chesapeake Division. On March 1, 1977, Gov. Mills Godwin appointed him to superintendent with the rank of colonel. He was re-appointed to the position of superintendent by Governors Dalton and Robb.
After retiring from state police in 1984, he continued his commitment to public safety from 1985 to 1996 as executive director of the Virginia Operation Lifesaver Program that focuses on railroad crossing safety. Over the years he has been a member of many professional organizations and countless committees focusing on combating crime and enhancing highway traffic safety. The Virginia Transportation Safety Board presented him with a Lifetime Transportation Safety Award in 1996.
Retired Colonel Slane is also noted for designing an official Virginia State Police flag with its blue border and appliquéd State Police emblem. The flag was officially adopted by the Department in 1989.
In December 2000, the Virginia State Police dedicated and opened the Virginia State Police Colonel Denny M. Slane Museum and History Center in a renovated room at the Academy. The museum contains uniforms, badges, weapons, and photographs detailing Virginia State Police history.
A resident of Harrisonburg, Colonel Slane was active in the Presbyterian church both as a deacon and elder. He was a member of the Virginia State Police Alumni group and Virginia State Police Association, as well as many local civic clubs. He is survived by his son, Pastor Joe Slane, of Alabama.
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