Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ben Sluss was shot and killed during a shootout at the Poplar Cabin service station on Dungannon's main street. Despite being mortally wounded, he was able to return fire and killed the suspect. He was taken to a hospital in Coeburn where he succumbed to his wounds the following day. Deputy Sluss and the subject who shot him were on friendly terms and no motive for the shooting was ever established.
Survivors
Deputy Sluss was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-5E310FF6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Sluss served with the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gate City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Sluss.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Franklin Sluss is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Scott County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Benjamin Franklin Sluss's cause is highlighted.
How Benjamin Franklin Sluss Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Benjamin Franklin Sluss is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Benjamin Franklin Sluss was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Scott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
