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Paul Herbert Salyer
Incident
Park Ranger Paul Salyer was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at a campsite in Breaks Interstate Park.
The campsite occupants had been involved in a domestic disturbance the previous night. Ranger Salyer was shot when he went to the campsite to check on the occupants.
The suspect was apprehended, found guilty of murder, and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Ranger Salyer was a United States Navy Korean War veteran. He had served with the Breaks Interstate Park and also held a commission as a part-time deputy with the Dickenson County Sheriff's Office for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, three brothers, and grandmother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Navy. One record, 2 gates. Paul is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Park Ranger Salyer gave the Breaks Interstate Park Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Breaks community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Paul Herbert Salyer served in the U.S. Navy (1952â1955) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paul is the only officer of Breaks Interstate Park Police Department remembered here.
Paul is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Paul is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 42. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 42. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 42. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 16.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Breaks Interstate Park Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Paul Herbert Salyer served in the U.S. Navy (1952–1955) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Paul Herbert Salyer’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Breaks Interstate Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.