Officer Down Memorial Page

Wow bruce we all miss you so much including my dad... its so hard to believe it has been 15 years.... Love and Miss you!!!!

Travis Pierce
Ferndale Wa

Travis Pierce, family friend, son of Don Pierce
January 18, 2012

You are gone but never forgotten Bruce... we miss you so much and there isnt a day that goes by that my dad doesnt miss you! Love you!!!

Travis Pierce, family friend, son of Don Pierce
January 18, 2012

Your gone but never forgotten bruce. My dad misses you so much and we all love and miss you!!!!!!!

Travis Pierce
Family friend son of Don Pierce
January 18, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 10, 2012

Trooper Heck,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Alaska. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Michael F. Casey
United States Border Patrol
January 10, 2012

When I was 15 years old, I was running away to Fairbanks with some friends. We were stopped by Trooper Heck, and he treated us kindly and fairly. He really helped to change my somewhat ungracious perspective on law enforcement. We apprehensively waited in his office in Glen Allen for the several hours it took our fathers to make the drive from Eagle River in the middle of the night, but we really enjoyed his company. He didn't make us feel like bad kids, just stupid ones. He was a very funny man. He took our coats, shoes, and car keys, and told us we were free to run if we liked. Of course, it was probably 20 below out. When I read that he died not long after, I was very sad. I still think about him, obviously, and how he personified humane law enforcement, and Alaskan law enforcement. I have never since been in trouble with the law. May he rest in peace.

Anonymous
April 10, 2010

I had the pleasure of starting my law enforcement career in 1980 for the DPS Capitol Security division of the Alaska State Troopers in Juneau. Bruce Heck was also an officer in this unit.

Bruce was a pleasure to work with and had a contagious laugh around most people he met. He was known for his calm mannerisms and friendly approach to those he worked with and the people he served.

Bruce eventually entered the Alaska State Troopers while I moved to the Juneau Police Department. I lost track of Bruce in the years that followed. In 1989 I made a lateral transfer to the Everett, WA Police department in Washington.

While working night shift in January 1997, I made a call to my old friends in the Juneau PD to say hello. It was during this call that I learned of Bruce's passing at the hands of his assailant. I felt a part of me had died. Bruce and I had been friends and co-workers. We were both too young to imagine this could happen.

It would be two years later in July 1999 that one of the crew members I supervised fell to his death from an elevated roadway following the pursuit of a stolen vehicle and apprehension of suspects. Later, my thoughts were on the feelings of the assisting Trooper who found Bruce. There are no words to express the helplessness while trying unsuccessfully to revive one of your own crewmates.

I am honored to have known and worked with Trooper Heck. He is still missed and will never be forgotten.

Respectfully,

Steve Lawson
Arlington, WA

Sgt. Steve Lawson
Juneau PD / Everett, WA PD
November 11, 2009

Seeing your picture on this site reminded me of good times in Ketchikan. I will never forget all of your advice to me and thanks so much for putting up with so many of my questions. You lived the dream of so many young law enforcement professionals, because to be an Alaska State Trooper will always be one of the most challenging, rewarding and extremely selective jobs in the Nation. You are missed Trooper Heck. My deepest respect for your service to the people of Alaska.

S/A Michael Nelson
Department of State
March 11, 2009

Bruce,
Twelve years. Man, where does it go? It seems as fresh as last month. We still think about you, not just that day, but you as a person, a friend whom we miss. Rest easy, brother.

All respects.

Ofc. Alan Mitchell
Alaska Div. of Juvenile Justice
January 15, 2009

May God's grace sustain you, May His arms hold you during this very sad time. My deepest sympathy to each of you who knew, loved and worked with Trooper Heck. My prayers are with you.
Trooper Heck, Thank you for your service to your country, you will be missed but never forgotten, as our Hero's live forever in our hearts.

Ohio
summit co

Anonymous
October 28, 2008

I still think of you frequently and tell stories about you. We still miss you. Time softens but does not erase.

Corri Conkle
Friend
October 15, 2008

Bruce,
You are gone but not forgotten and are always in our thoughts and prayers.
We will never forget you and your sacrifice.
Dave

Sergeant David Jones
Alaska State Troopers
May 9, 2008

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ
February 7, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA
January 10, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
January 3, 2008

Shark Two;
Working on my 2nd retirement and thinking of the good times in rainy Ketchikan. I see shark One on occassion and we talk about you and him poaching all of my DUI's. Thanks for being there that night with that big ass drunk. You saved my bacon. Miss you buddy, rest in peace.
Jim

Officer Jim Janke
Customs & Border Protection
December 30, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
November 14, 2007

Dad - Tomorrow I will stand, in uniform, and remember you again, and when they play the bagpipes I will once again cry, and I know you will be up there laughing at me.
I miss you lots! I wish you could be here to watch your grandaughter grow, I wish you could be here next month to watch you son get married, I wish so much...
Love ya!

Alisha Sell
May 18, 2007

Bruce,
I met you once, very briefly, a year before you left us. That day still haunts me in a way, I still have questions about what happend and why. You are so dearly missed. Sometimes when I'm in the gym and feeling drained, I think of you and I push for another half-hour.

Last summer, Lacy and I went to Haines and Juneau for our anniversary. We stopped at your memorial on the way back and I left the "square miles/Troopers" T-shirt I had with me on the rock to remind people what the mission of the Troopers entails. I miss you, my friend.

Rest easy, Bruce; we've got it from here.

Alan Mitchell
State of Alaska Div. of Juv. Justice
May 2, 2007

G-d Bless.

January 10, 2007

Bruce, this time of year I think of you and another Friend who left so many of us behind. I remember only the good times....but will never forget the day all your Friends gathered to say goodbye...it has been some time now...but the memories are with me always....I will see you one day.

Helen

Helen Stice
Friend
December 27, 2006

It is so hard to believe that we are coming up on the 10th anniversary of your "heavenly birthday". Even though our lives have moved forward and are healthy and happy, we will never forget your time with us. As I watch your children grow, get married, and have their own children, my heart is saddened knowing how much you would have loved to see it all.

Merry Christmas.....Love, Laurie

Laurie Heck Huckeba
Spouse
December 24, 2006

Rest in Peace, Trooper Heck. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
November 2, 2006

Bruce,

Been thinking about you for the last few days as the anniversary of your death passed.
Just wanted to let you know that your not forgotten and never will be. I hope your new "beat" is treating you well.
See you soon, my friend.

Craig Robinson
Wasilla Police Department
January 17, 2006

Bruce:
Many a night and day I have thought of you and the way you respected all and treated all in fairness. You are sorely missed in our Family. This month I passed by 21st year and wish to dedicate my time to you and yours. I hope that I have served in a small way following your lead. Take care and we shall meet again I hope. To your family I hope I can share just a small part of the love that he gave all the time.
Rick Pyles
AST, Palmer Post, AK

Trooper Rick Pyles
Alaska State Troopers
April 13, 2005