Police department remembers one officer’s sacrifice

Retired North Las Vegas Police Officer Samuel Smith was one of Officer James Slagle's trainers and described Slagle as "intense and quiet."

On Nov. 30, 1973, Slagle died in pursuit of three robbery suspects, and Smith said officers launched a campaign to name the police building for Slagle in his honor. The North Las Vegas Police Department main station at 1301 E. Lake Mead Blvd. was named the James B. Slagle Public Safety building in 1985.

Smith, who served from 1969 to 1998, said Slagle was a dedicated officer who took his job very seriously. "Back then, we were police officers, not because of the pay but for the job and what it entailed," Smith said. "I rode with James on many occasions. He was quiet but was a great officer and friend both on and off duty."

Smith said Slagle used to play "The Horse With No Name" by the band America on the jukebox when they would stop for lunch. "He was a real quiet guy, a good guy. He was going to be a good officer," Smith added.

Slagle, who wore Badge 30, died when he was 24 in a car crash at East Lake Mead Boulevard and Pecos Road in the early afternoon, Public Information Officer Chrissie Coon confirmed. A robbery was reported to him at the Vegas Village Store near Las Vegas Boulevard North, and Slagle attempted to give chase until he collided with a pickup truck that had pulled in front of him, disregarding his siren and lights, according to the incident details. He hit a power pole and died at the scene. The robbery suspects were apprehended after a foot chase.

Smith said he remembers the day Slagle died. At the time, Smith was stationed at the jail and remembers hearing about the incident.

Mike Webster, a retired officer, was with the department from 1968 to 1974 and said his ex-wife would babysit for Slagle. "I remember when they called me in, and I saw the engine sitting 50 feet from his car," Webster recalled about the crash scene. Webster said that even though Slagle was not on the force long, he was known as "very nice and a very good officer."

Smith said Slagle grew up and attended school in Las Vegas and joined the North Las Vegas Police Department in his early 20s, excelling in training and police skills.

"I was always impressed with his eagerness to get the job done and willingness to serve the public," Smith said. His wife, Kris, and daughter survived him. They could not be located by press time. Smith said he believed Slagle's daughter went on to become a nurse.

For years, the North Las Vegas Police Officers Association and his friends honored Slagle and his sacrifice on Nov. 30 each year by lowering the flag at the police department to half-staff and petitioning the City Council to designate Nov. 30 as James B. Slagle Memorial Day. They also held an honor guard ceremony at his grave at Woodlawn Cemetery each year, Smith said.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Laura Phelps at lphelps@viewnews.com or 702-477-3839.