A Tennessee State Trooper died today while on duty in the Knoxville district. According to the Tenn. Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Trooper Michael Slagle, 53, appeared to have died from natural causes after he crashed on Longmeyer Road in Knox County shortly before 7 a.m. They said that he was found unresponsive and they were unable to revive him.
"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."
The department said that Slagle joined the THP in 1986. He was from Grainger County and was first assigned to Campbell County. During his career, he served in Union and Knox County, but was currently assigned to supreme court detail in Knox County.
He became a field training officer in 2000 and also helped provide security for the University of Tennessee marching band in 2003. Before becoming a state trooper, Slagle served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Grainger Couty Sheriff's Office from 1978-1985. He graduated from Rutledge High School in 1978. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
For more information, read the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Update: Via WBIR: Masonic services will be held by Corryton Masonic Lodge in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home by Mike Lett at 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
Rev. Denny Ford will officiate funeral services after the Masonic service.
Family and friends will meet at Berry Funeral Home at 12:00 noon Wednesday, January 30, 2013 and proceed to Woodlawn Cemetery for a 1:00 pm graveside service.
Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
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