Tennessee State Trooper Dies on Duty

NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee State Trooper died Friday while on duty in the Knoxville District.  Trooper Michael Slagle, 53, passed away from what appears to have been natural causes after he crashed on Longmeyer Road in Knox County shortly before 7 a.m. this morning.  He was discovered unresponsive and was unable to be revived at the scene.

“Trooper Slagle was a 26-year veteran of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He was a model trooper and a good man. It is a very sad day for our Highway Patrol family and all who knew Michael,” Colonel Tracy Trott said. “Our prayers go out to his family during this difficult time,” Trott added.

Trooper Slagle joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1986. Originally from Grainger County, he was initially assigned to Campbell County. During his tenure, he served in both Union and Knox Counties before his current assignment in the Supreme Court detail in Knox County.

Trooper Slagle became a field training officer in 2000. Outside of his duties as a state trooper, he also helped provide security for the University of Tennessee marching band in 2003.

Prior to becoming a state trooper, Trooper Slagle served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office from 1978-1985. 

He is a 1978 graduate of Rutledge High School in Grainger County.

Trooper Slagle is survived by his wife, two daugthers and one son. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.  

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