One of Cherokee County’s most dedicated and well known First Responders has died.

Cherokee County Coroner Dr. Jeremy Deaton says that 24 year old Josh Slayton of Gaylesville appears to have died from natural causes after being found unresponsive  at his home on County Road 114 in Gaylesville on Sunday afternoon.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Investigators, Cherokee EMS and the Coroner’s Office were called to the scene shortly before 4:00 p.m. Details surrounding the cause of death will not be released but Deaton says that there is no foul play.

Slayton was a reserve officer with the Centre Police Department, a former member of the Gaylesville Fire Department and a member of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad.

We spoke with Centre Police Chief Kirk Blankenship, he said that Slayton was a very dedicated reserve officer since joining the program in 2014. Chief Blankenship expressed his deepest condolences to Slayton’s family on behalf of the entire Centre Police Department and said that he will very much be missed.

Cherokee County Rescue Squad Captain Danny Smith said that Slayton was one of the most dedicated public servants anywhere around, always doing his best to serve his family, friends and community. Slayton had been a member of the squad for only one year.

Captain Smith offered his deepest sympathy to the family on behalf of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad and said that Slayton would be deeply missed around the squad building.

Slayton’s body has been sent for an official autopsy, funeral arrangements have not been made at this time. Flags at the Centre Police Department Headquarters on West Main Street in Centre will fly at half staff in memory of Josh.