United States of America
Headstone of Buddy Ray Herron
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Buddy Ray Herron

Died November 29, 2011

Buddy Ray Herron served in the U.S. Navy for 4 months. Buddy served during the years of the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Edged weapon
What Happened

Correctional Officer Buddy Herron was assaulted and fatally stabbed along Highway 11, two miles north of Pendleton, shortly after 11:00 pm.

It is believed that he had stopped to assist at the scene of a single-car accident while en route to begin his shift at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. At some point after stopping, he was stabbed by the driver, who then stole Officer Herron's pickup truck. Despite his wound, Officer Herron was able to call 911. Responding units transferred him to St. Anthony's Hospital where he succumbed to his wound shortly after midnight.

The 21-year-old suspect was arrested in the vehicle early the next morning following a vehicle pursuit. He has been charged with parole violations and murder. It was determined that the vehicle he had originally crashed was stolen and had been involved in a burglary earlier in the evening.

On July 30, 2013, the suspect was convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to life.

Officer Herron had served with the Oregon Department of Corrections for four years and had previously served with the Arizona Department of Corrections. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve and also served as a volunteer firefighter.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four children, and one granddaughter.
Media
Buddy Ray Herron
Buddy Ray Herron 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1988 – 1988
Also Served
Oregon Department of Corrections
Correctional Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 32W · Line 28 cut as BUDDY RAY HERRON
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpbdq5zrwzg0197rxak0
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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.

Correctional Officer Herron gave the Oregon Department of Corrections 4 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of Oregon. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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