Prev
Incident
Deputy Herbert Slayton was shot and killed while checking on a vehicle. The suspect, who was an AWOL soldier from the US Army, had set up and ambush and shot Deputy Slayton with a handgun at close range five times, once in the chest and four times in the back. The suspect was arrested the next day. On July 22, 1978, the man, 23, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. Deputy Slayton had served with the agency for 25 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, and eight grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtprahxxfmah1rn6jddc7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Herbert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
25 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Slayton gave the Giles County Sheriff's Department 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Pulaski community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Slayton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Herbert is the only officer of Giles County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Herbert is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 7 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Herbert was 65. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Herbert had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Herbert was 65. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Herbert had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herbert was 65. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Herbert had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Giles County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Giles County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.