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Incident
Patrolman Henry Slater died of injuries he received when he was struck by a railcar while sitting on his post at Bridge Street and Canal Streets (modern-day Monroe Avenue). The railcar had not switched tracks properly, and Patrolman Slater was dragged into the wheels of the railcar, trapping him. He was instrumental in his own rescue as he directed the men who freed him. After his rescue, he was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Patrolman Slater served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and six children. Patrolman Slater's brother, a Detective with the Grand Rapids Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty 14 years later.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
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.
Patrolman Slater gave the Grand Rapids Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Grand Rapids community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Slater.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Grand Rapids Police Department has lost 15 officers; 7 of them lost to accidents.
Henry is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Henry is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Henry is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1907, 1 officer at Grand Rapids Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1907, 1 officer in MI was lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1907, 16 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 127th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1907, 23 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 126th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Henry was 45. Of the 7 lost to accidents at Grand Rapids Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 25.5 and 41; the middle age was 31. Henry had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Henry was 45. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Henry had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 45. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Henry had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 45. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Henry had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 14.3% of these deaths at Grand Rapids Police Department; May holds the most, 42.9%. Wednesdays: 28.6%.
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Wednesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 46.7% of all 15 deaths at Grand Rapids Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Grand Rapids Police Department has 15 officers remembered here, Henry among them.
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George W. Powers
Aug 22, 1895
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Henry Slater
Sep 4, 1907
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Millard F. Davis
Aug 25, 1916
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Charles Irving DeYoung
Jun 7, 1920
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George David Geng
May 18, 1921
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Gerrit George Brandsma
Dec 7, 1921
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Samuel Slater, Jr.
Dec 9, 1921
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John Meiboom
Oct 10, 1925
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Francis Marion Gallup
May 13, 1946
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Stanley Van Tuinen
Dec 3, 1966
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Wayne Vonk
Jan 19, 1969
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Herman Reinhold Gloe
Dec 12, 1974
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Joseph Floyd Taylor
Nov 17, 1986
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Daniel Craig Duyst
May 30, 1994
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Robert Anthony Kozminski
Jul 8, 2007
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Grand Rapids Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
