Superintendent Denny Meade Slane

Colonel Denny Slane graduated from Capon Bridge High School, West Virginia, in 1942. He began his police career as a Patrolman with the Winchester, Virginia Police Department in 1947 serving 2 1/2 years with that department.

Employed by Virginia State Police as a Probationary Trooper on June 16, 1949 and assigned to Division 3 Charlottesville for training under Sergeant M. F. Ritter. Entered the State Police Academy, 17th Basic Session, on October 16, 1949; Lieutenant R. A. Lynn, Director, Sergeants J. E. Kidd and C. E. Rives, Instructors. Graduated from the State Police Academy on December 16, 1949, and elected Class President by fellow classmates. Assigned to then Division 2 Green County followed by transfer to Rockingham County, Harrisonburg in March 1951. Promoted to Sergeant on September 4, 1956 and assigned to State Police Administrative Headquarters, Investigation and Records Division as a Duty Sergeant.

On January 1, 1958, transferred to the office of the newly opened Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, Area 8, followed by transfer as Sergeant, to Area 6 Chesterfield, Amelia and Powhatan Counties). Completed Police Administrative Course at the University of Maryland and Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course at University of Louisville as well as numerous seminars during his career. Promoted to Lieutenant in October 1961 and assigned to newly formed Division 6 Salem as Headquarters Lieutenant; Captain J. W. Burrow, Division Commander and H. C. Guy, Field Lieutenant.

Promoted to Captain on January 1, 1966, and assigned to Division 5 Chesapeake as Division Commander succeeding Captain Roy M. Terry who became Division Commander, Safety Division; J. M. Booher, Headquarters Lieutenant and S. C. Waddill, Field Lieutenant. During tenure as Division Commander, he oversaw supervision of one of the earliest undercover drug enforcement programs in Virginia.

As Division Commander, he initiated the Safety at Sea Program in 1970 wherein selected troopers are assigned to serve at sea with ships of the Atlantic fleet returning to port for the purpose of providing reorientation focusing on driver safety.

Appointed Superintendent by Governor Mills L. Godwin, Jr. on March 1, 1977, to succeed Colonel H. W. Burgess who retired; as an indication of his performance in office, he was reappointed Superintendent during the administrations of Governors John Dalton and Charles Robb.

Notable changes during his tenure as Superintendent:

• In May 1977 the use of black patrol cars was discontinued and replaced with multiple colored vehicles.
• In late 1977 and early 1978 Tactical Teams were formed, trained and placed in each Field Division.
• In 1978 the Bureau of Criminal Investigation replaced the Division of Investigation.
• In July of 1980 Division 7 was created to serve Northern Virginia and located in Fairfax.
• New Division Headquarter buildings were completed and occupied in Wytheville and Richmond.
• Uniform changes were made allowing short sleeve shirts with no tie. The requirement for wearing uniform hats in patrol vehicles was eliminated,
• installation of CB and FM radios in patrol vehicles was authorized and permanent overtime pay became a reality. All of these greatly increased the morale of Department personnel.
• The Aviation and Medivac Units were formed.
• The Chaplains program was created.
• Utilization of bullet proof vests for members was initiated.
• A Superintendents Award Program was created to recognize personnel for heroic and life saving efforts.
• The Motor Carriers and Hazardous Material Unit, Weight Enforcement Officer Program and Arson Unit became part of the Department.
• The first statewide Marijuana Eradication Program in cooperation with the Virginia National Guard was initiated.
• A new and updated radio system (SIRS) was completed making car to car communications and communication with Sheriffs and local police possible.

• The Virginia State Police Museum was created and named The Colonel Denny M. Slane Museum and History Center in his honor.
• He created a specially designed state police flag and donated it to the Department which became the official flag of the state police.
• Served as Executive Director of a railroad safety program from 1985 to 1996 called “Operation Lifesaver” sponsored by Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads.
• In 1996 he was presented a “Lifetime Safety Achievement Award” by the Virginia Governor’s Transportation Safety Board for outstanding service in the field of highway and transportation safety.
• Served as a promotion test rater with the Department in May-September 1998.