The Virginia State Police are mourning the loss of 85-year-old retired Col. Denny Meade Slane who passed away Thursday in Harrisonburg.

Slane served as Superintendent of State Police from 1977 to 1984. He was appointed to the position of Superintendent by then-Gov. Mills E. Godwin and continued to serve in that capacity under Govs. John N. Dalton and Charles S. Robb. Slane retired in October 1984, with 35 years of service with state police.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of retired Colonel Slane,” says Col. W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Col. Slane was a well-respected and progressive leader in the field of law enforcement. A pillar of the community, he was known for his passion for public safety and service to the Commonwealth. His legacy epitomizes the Virginia State Police’s core values of valor, service and pride.”

During his tenure as Superintendent, the state police underwent significant organizational changes that are still in place today. In 1979, Slane oversaw the creation of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which replaced the Division of Investigation. A deputy superintendent position was created and two majors positions were added to the state police executive staff.

In July 1980, a seventh State Police Division was created to incorporate the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. He also opened new Division headquarters offices in Richmond and Wytheville.

In addition, Slane’s career as Superintendent was also highlighted by successful efforts in both promoting highway safety and combating crime. Highway deaths fell to a record low for the first time in decades. Criminal arrests for fraud, embezzlement and distribution of illegal narcotics increased.

He is also remembered for his responsiveness to state police employees’ concerns and suggestions. Based on input from his employees, Slane allowed for troopers to wear short-sleeve uniform shirts in the summer, for the installation of CB radios in patrol cars, and the introduction of overtime pay and employee recognition programs.

Slane was born June 8, 1924, in Paw Paw, West Virginia. Prior to joining the Virginia State Police in 1949 he served two years as a police officer with the Winchester, Virginia Police Department. His decorated career with Virginia State Police began with his graduation from the state police Academy’s 17th Basic Session on December 16, 1949.

He served as a trooper in Greene and Rockingham counties until promotion to sergeant in 1956. While a sergeant, he was assigned first to Administrative Headquarters in Richmond, and then to the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, and then to Area 6, which includes Colonial Heights and the counties of Chesterfield, Powhatan and Amelia.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1961 and assigned to the Salem Division. On promotion to captain in 1966, he was assigned to the Chesapeake Division. On March 1, 1977, Godwin appointed him to superintendent with the rank of colonel. He was re-appointed to the position of superintendent by Dalton and Robb.

After retiring from state police in 1984, he continued his commitment to public safety from 1985 to 1996 as executive director of the Virginia Operation Lifesaver Program that focuses on railroad crossing safety. Over the years, he has been a member of many professional organizations and countless committees focusing on combating crime and enhancing highway traffic safety. The Virginia Transportation Safety Board presented him with a Lifetime Transportation Safety Award in 1996.

Slane is also noted for designing an official Virginia State Police flag with its blue border and appliquèd State Police emblem. The flag was officially adopted by the Department in 1989.

In December 2000, the Virginia State Police dedicated and opened the Virginia State Police Col. Denny M. Slane Museum and History Center in a renovated room at the Academy. The museum contains uniforms, badges, weapons and photographs detailing Virginia State Police history.

A resident of Harrisonburg, Slane was active in the Presbyterian church both as a deacon and elder. He was a member of the Virginia State Police Alumni group and Virginia State Police Association, as well as many local civic clubs. He is survived by his son, Pastor Joe Slane, of Alabama.