Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective Charles Douglas Heinrich

El Paso Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Thursday, August 29, 1985

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Detective Charles Douglas Heinrich

Chuck was one of my father's field training officers. He never fully got over Chuck's passing and always made it a point to keep up with Chuck's widow & son.

Seven years after his passing, my father followed in his footsteps and was named Detective of the Year.

God Bless Chuck and the entire Heinrich family!

Joe Palmer
Son of Det. Jerry Palmer

May 2, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 29, 2020

It's nice to know that my Uncle Chuck is not forgotten and will be remembered for the street cop that he was. I really miss being able to just stop by and talk to him about life's up's & down's .. he was a great listener when I really needed him.

Ms Troy Shea-Butler
Niece

September 2, 2015

Rest in peace, Brother.

Detective Steven Polianos
U.S. Park Park

August 29, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 20, 2013

Det. Heinrich you are remembered by your brother and sisiter officers of the Boston Police. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police

December 25, 2010

"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

February 6, 2008

"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

February 6, 2008

Chuck you were my first partner after graduation from the EPPD Academy and being assigned to NE Patrol. I will never forget you and your humor. You were a very dedicated Officer and a credit to the EPPD. I will never forget you Partner, what you taught me allowed me to complete a 26 year career as an Officer. May you rest in peace and I know that you are keeping a watch over your fellow officers.

Ray Snyder
Addison, TX PD (Retired)

January 20, 2008

Det. Heinrich,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of El Paso. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

An El Paso resident

Anonymous

August 29, 2007

Chuck was my very best friend. We had both recently returned from our military service in Viet Nam to join the Department. Chuck was the funniest person I ever knew. He loved his family. We patroled the streets of El Paso for several years. We joined the local VFW together and were sworn in on the same night. We worked in the traffic division for several months. Chuck, I think of you every day and I say a prayer for your son and your family. Respects to a wonderful cop. July 2007-Maryland

Patrolman CPL. Brice A. Petree
El Paso Police Dept. (ret)

June 11, 2007

I will never forget “Chuck” he always comes to mind when I think of officers who’s dedication to duty was second to none, and served as an example to others. He truly walked the walk and talked the talk.
Thanks for your example

Lt. Vince Ayub Knoxville, TN PD ( previously with the EPPD)

Lt. Vincent M. Ayub
Knoxville Tennessee Police Department

July 20, 2004

God bless, brother. May your family know that you are a hero and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

August 29, 2003

God bless this hero. He is not forgotten.

Minnesota cop

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.