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Incident
Officer Alf Salter was shot and killed while attempting to serve warrants for traffic violations on a man. Officer Salter, with five other officers, went to the man's home on East 18th Street to serve the warrants. When Officer Salter knocked on the door, the man refused to open the door and opened fire, striking Officer Salter. Officer Salter was transported to the People's Hospital, where he passed away. The 30-year-old suspect was tried and acquitted in 1945. Officer Salter had served in law enforcement for at least 17 years, also serving with the Walker County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons, one daughter, one granddaughter, four brothers, and four sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Salter gave the Jasper Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jasper community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Salter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jasper Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1944, 1 officer in AL was killed feloniously, the 95th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1944, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1944, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 59. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 59. 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. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.6% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Jasper Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.5% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Jasper Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Jasper Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
