Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck

Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck | Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck | Allen County Sheriff's Department, IndianaPolice Officer Eryk Todd Heck | Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck | Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck | Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck | Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck

Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana

End of Watch Friday, August 15, 1997

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Eryk Todd Heck

Police Officer Eryk Heck was shot and killed, and another officer was shot and wounded after responding to a burglary in progress at a home off of Billy Drive.

While investigating the burglary at 1:30 am, the two officers discovered a truck parked on an abandoned railroad right of way off Till Road, approximately one mile from the home. As the officers watched the truck, the suspect appeared, and the second officer approached to question him. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking the second officer in the arm and knocking him to the ground.

Officer Heck then got in front of the wounded officer and returned fire before being shot in the neck, leg, and jaw. He was able to shoot and kill the suspect before succumbing to his injuries. Officer Heck was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Officer Heck had served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, 11-month-old daughter, parents, and seven sisters. His mother had also served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department.

In 1999, State Road 3 between I-69 north to the county line was dedicated the Eryk T. Heck Memorial Highway in his honor.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge 188

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Shot and killed

burglary

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Paramedic-Laura Loe
I was one of the paramedics that responded with my partner Lisa Christen to this horrible 911 of a shooting.
We were unaware that it was an officer down call until upon arrival to the scene.
We were unable to drive our ambulance down the path to the victim because it was too narrow and muddy. We hauled all of our medical gear and headed on foot down that path.
I will never forget his partner’s face, officer Hefner, as we raced to aid his partner. He was in a daze but alive and upright. We went passed him and the Huntertown EMS crew attended to him.
We found Officer Heck feet first into a line of brush and his bullet proof vest was pulled over his head.
We immediately started ALS care to him and by permission from Sheriff Balliet we transported him via the perpetrators truck bed to our EMS and continued resuscitative measures.
I will not go into details of the medical resuscitation of Officer Heck. But I will tell you we fought feverishly and with the utmost medical treatment to save his life.
He was in the Hands of the Lord when we fought for his life.
I can still vividly remember that night 26 years later and only being a TRAA paramedic for over a year, it created a humbleness and dedication for me to help and save lives
There is a circle of medical personnel that were involved on that night and gather to continue to honor his heroic act of giving up his life for his fellow man!
Always rest in peace, Officer Heck!

Paramedic Laura Loe
TRAA

January 20, 2024

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