Cpl. Slaton, 56, was killed in an on‐duty traffic crash Monday night two miles south of Ringgold on US 81 in Montague County. An investigation showed that Cpl. Slaton struck a
cow that was standing in the roadway; the impact of the collision sent his car into oncoming traffic, where it was struck head‐on by an 18‐wheeler in the southbound lane. The
18‐wheeler driver was not injured in the collision. Cpl. Slaton was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the 84th DPS officer to die in the line of duty in the agency’s 75‐year
history. Corporal Slaton had a long, distinguished career with the Department, and he will be sorely missed. His contribution to safety of the citizens of Texas will not be forgotten.
He will be remembered for the countless lives he impacted in a positive way during his career. Corporal Slaton and his loved ones will forever hold a special place in our hearts as
part of the DPS family,” said Col. Steve McCraw, director of the Department of Public Safety. Cpl. Slaton began his career with DPS in October 1974 and had been stationed in
Bowie, TX for his entire career. He is survived by his wife, Lynetta, and a 20‐year‐old son, Bobby. An estimated 3,000 people attended the funeral, filling up the First Baptist Sanctuary,
adjacent buildings and some watched on a video link at the Bowie High School gym. Department of Public Safety honor guard held vigil over the service carrying forward the solemnity
and tradition the death of an officer carries. An American flag that flew at ground zero in New York and now travels to stand with fallen officers across the country, was solemnly
carried out by the honor guard followed by the casket.At the cemetery a sea of officers from across the state surrounded the family for the brief ceremony. The Texas flag draping
the casket was folded and presented to the family by Col. McCraw. A 21-gun salute was given and a bagpiper played during a flyover of aircraft.
