Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Heck, You are a true hero. May God bless you and your family.

A Texas StreetCop

Anonymous

June 11, 2010

Had Taylor over Thanksgiving weekend.....what a wonderful child and person she is turning out to be. It makes me so sad to know that she will never really know you except for our stories and pictures of you. I miss you so much every day and wish I could tell you that one more time! Someday in heaven.....

Shelly

December 2, 2009

Eryk,
I was just telling someone about you today. I told them about what a Hero you were. When asked if I could do what you did, I could only answer "I can only hope I am half as brave as he was".

God Speed Brother....

Anonymous

October 7, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today and every day. Continue to watch over them. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 15, 2009

I miss you!

Shelly
Sister

February 12, 2009

To the family of Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck,
My heart feels your pain. I lost my son to gun fire also.

I wanted to share my loss with you. I too pursued a civil suite with the owners (the murder' parents) of the shotgun that killed my son. This suite was ruled in my favor by a out-of-court mediator. I struggle every day to come up with a way to honor Timmy's life and try to think of way to promote gun safety in the home. I have yet to think of a positive way.



The Murder of My Son, Timothy Darin Pruett
My name is Glenda O’Neill, and I am the mother of Timothy Darin Pruett.
On March 1, 1985, my son was placed in my arms for the first time, just minutes after he took his first breath. He was so precious, his face so flawless, his skin so soft and I whispered, “I love you son” for the first time. I was so blessed to have this nine-pound baby boy. I thanked God everyday for my children.
On May 30, 2005, at approximately 3:00 in the afternoon, I heard the most deafening (blasts/shots) sounds I have ever heard in my life. I ran from the backyard to the front yard of my home and then to the front porch, A young man named, Jake Carroll, approached me at my front door, and I asked, “what are you doing here?” he replied without remorse, “I shot your son. I ran into the house frantically looking for Timmy. The house was filled with black smoke due to the aftermath of the gunfire. There in the back hall lay Timmy wounded by multiple gunshots to his chest. He had a cordless phone in his hands, and he died with his big brown eyes open. I kept saying over and over, “Talk to Mommy, Talk to Mommy.” I knew in my heart my baby was gone.
The night before, Timmy fell asleep on my loveseat with his long legs hanging off the cushions. Who knew that as I wished him good night and covered him up it was for the last time.
I will try to find the words to tell you how Timmy’s murder has impacted my life, but there are no words adequate enough to describe the pain, anger, and despair that I’ve felt from his murder. Timmy’s murder took everything from me. It took my rest and my peace. Sometimes the feeling of despair becomes so overwhelming, so deep, that it literally takes my breath away.
I never know what sound or what sight is going to trigger in my mind a memory. I cry at the simple pleasures of life, such as seeing a young man at the mall wearing the same type baggy Colts shorts that used to be Timmy’s favorite. And, while the memories of Timmy are so sweet, I must accept the realization that he is dead. And each time that realization hits my heart - it is devastating.
Timmy was an only son. He was my best friend, and he did not deserve to be so cruelly taken. I do not deserve to live the rest of my life with this pain and agony without my child.

Timmy was a joy, a loving and giving young man with a heart as big as the world.
His murder took an only brother, a devoted grandson, a fun-loving nephew, a dear to heart cousin and a treasured friend and buddy who was greatly loved. It’s been almost a year, and I have watched as my family struggled with their pain, anger, and grief.
Timmy loved me unconditionally, a love that no one can replace.
Sometimes the flashbacks of the murder seem to take over my being. A terrorist took Timmy’s life, and we can do nothing but cry, and ask why?, over and over.
Jake Carroll took from my daughter a brother she loved from the day I brought him home. They never fought, and Timmy watched over Ashley as if he was her big brother.
Our world has been shattered; and my grandchildren have lost some of their innocence. . . they are now painfully aware that there is violence and evil in this world. The twelve year old has not slept alone since that day. The three year old knows about murder…think about that! A three year old asking, “Why did that boy shoot Timmy?” “Timmy’s in heaven, right? Or, telling me, “Nana, I know God will give you another Timmy.”
The pain contnues; the nightmares continue to haunt me day in and day out. I never go more than two minutes of my waking life without thinking about Timmy being executed in his own home.
The “What Ifs,” of this horrific day go on and on, such as:
• What if I would have been inside…I would have died for him if I could have.
• Could we have persuaded Jake from this heinous crime, if we would have had the opportunity?
• What if the grandchildren had beenin the house?
• Why didn’t Timmy tell us Jake was circling the block?
• Why didn’t Timmy scream for help?
• What if Jaclyn had left with Jake when he came?
Timmy had a decent job that he enjoyed and was doing very well. He worked at the Crane Marina, and to him it was great. Money meant nothing to him. Material things were last on his list of the important things in life. Timmy always looked for the good in someone and NEVER spoke ill of anyone, or ever raised his hand to anybody.
His life was finally coming together as he wanted. He used to say, “Mom, if I could turn out to be half the person you are, I would be totally happy.”
“What might Timmy have been?,” runs through my mind nonstop:
• Who would he have married?
• How many children would he have, and whowould they have looked like?
• Would Timmy have stayed in the area or moved away?
• Would he have realized he was wasting time with Jaclyn?
Timmy would have been a wonderful father, because he loved being around children. He used to swing our granddaughter forever without hesitating.
Would Timmy have made a greater impact in this world than he had at the time of his death? That we will never know, but to the people who knew and loved Timmy, the impact he made on our lives at such a young age, is immeasurable, and we cry out at the injustice of his murder.
Timmy was compassionate, caring and generous. He never judged anyone because of the color of their skin, religion, or bank account. Timmy was charming yet hard-headed at the same time.
What I miss most about Timmy are the little things in life. Any parent who has buried their child lives in a different world. People walk away from you in order not to be confronted with trying to say the right thing, which I know is hard. People never look at you the same, as if a part of your broken heart is somehow visible.

A small list of my loving memories of Timmy and little things I miss . . .
• His baggy jeans with no butt.
• Telling him to get a haircut.
• Watching him rolls his eyes when I asked what he wanted to be when he grew up.
• Listening to him mumble-talk when he walked away.
• Receiving his endless hugs.
• Hearing his voice telling me “he loves me.”
• Receiving his sweet Mother’s Day and Birthday cards, in which he always wrote a special note.
• Laughing at him, laughing at me when I tried to dance or sing.
• Him lecturing me not to be so judgemental with people.
• Listening to his plans of moving into his new house and helping get the basics household items.
• The phone calls and his voice asking, “What’s for supper?”
• His voice coming through the back door and saying, “Hi Bo-dog (his step-day), Hi Mom, what’s up?”
• Sitting down with him and just talking, laughing, and him re-assuring me that I was “the best Mom anyone could ask for.”
• Timmy always called me “Martha Stewart” and made fun of me relentlessly for how I kept house. He would drop by at 10:00 at night, and I would be sweeping my front porch and he say “MOM…stop, people are going to think your crazy!”
My horrendous memories of the past months, days and last hours of Timmy’s Life’
• On the Saturday before his death he told me about his friend Jaclyn, letting me know she had a baby boy fathered by Jake, that she was only 17, that her Grandmother watched him most of the time. And, if he brought her to meet me, I was to be nice to her (he knew I wouldn’t like her). And his last statement about Jaclyn was, “Oh yeah Jake is going to shoot me if I don’t stop seeing her.”
• Seeing the cordless phone in Timmy’s hand as the only means of defense sickens me as to how my baby must have been terrified as he drew is last breath.
• Not really knowing if Timmy suffered.
• The echoes of my own voice screaming non-stop as I lay out in my driveway, “please God don’t let my baby die.”
• Remembering the look of pity from all those at my house who attempted CPR, they knew but couldn’t prevail that there wasn’t a glimmer of hope. How could I ever be grateful enough for all those who tried to save my baby’s life?
• Seeing the pandemonium on my property, investigators, TV crews, state police, local police, neighbors, and the yellow tape being wrapped around my home.
• The drive to the Washington Hospital seemed a million miles away.
• Being put in a waiting room while they attempted to work on Timmy and praying so hard that I thought I was going to pass out.
• The official statement from the Doctor who worked on Timmy…’I am sorry… the wounds were too…we tried all we could…and they say, “you can come and tell him good-bye.”
• Lying on the floor in the ER room next to Timmy begging God to wake me up from this living nightmare.
• Trying to greet the hundreds of people who came to pay their respects without literally falling to the ground.
• Visiting my Timmy’s grave in the hot sun and spreading a blanket on the ground and sobbing uncontrollably.
• Folding, refolding and smelling Timmy’s clothes over and over again until the pain was so unbearable, you have someone put his clothes in the attic out of sight/out of mind for the moment.
What has kept me focused since Timmy’s murder is the promise I made to him when I saw him laid out on that cold table in the ER. As I wiped his blood stained face for the last time, I promised him that whatever it takes… Jake will be held accountable and pay for what he did.
It is up to the court to decide Jake Carroll’s sentence. Although there will never be justice for Timmy, I beg the court for Timmy’s sake, for his family, and for myself, to give Jake Carroll the maximum penalty the law allows. Society needs to fear Jake Carroll. No amount of time or therapy will change a human soul that has committed such a senseless, cold-blooded, merciless and calculated act of murder.
Since May 30, 2005, Timmy’s death is the first thing I think of every morning and is my last thought before I close my eyes every night. And this is how it will be until the last beat of my heart.

Glenda O'Neill

October 15, 2008

Your EOW was 9 years ago today. On that fateful day, you both met Jesus
Christ face to face. One to everlasting peace, love and joy....the other to eternal
damnation, regret, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Thanks for dedicating your life to the Savior. His retirement plan is out of this world.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

August 15, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer
District Heights Police Dept. (MD)

August 15, 2008

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 15, 2008

On todays date, the U.S Capitol Police First Responder Unit dedicated their roll call to Officer Heck. You are not forgotten

Lieutenant Ted O'Donnell
US Capitol Police

August 15, 2008

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ...Shel'

April 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Eryk....you will not be forgotten. RIP
Baber

April 28, 2008

Eryk,
Two days...two days were all I had to know you and you still made such an impact. I will never forget as a lonely intern with the ACSD you let me go on a call with you when you were with Metro. The next day you came into the office and we got to talking again. You gave me your business card and said that if I ever wanted to ride again sometime, to give you a call. You were so nice to me, and for an intern, that was pretty cool! I was really looking forward to watching you work again. On my way into the office the next morning I heard it on the news...I will never forget it. Not long after, I was honored by the Sheriff and your mom to recieve the first ever Eryk T. Heck Memorial Scholarship Fund. Well, Eryk, let me tell you I put that to good use. And here I am today, 7+ years later with Marion PD and I still think about you often. The impact you made, the friendship I formed with your mother, another hero of mine, writing back and forth with her for years. So though I did not know you well, I work and live hoping to be half the police officer you were. I think of you often, even to this day, and I share your story. I pray that if I have to give the ultimate sacrifice, that I can do it as bravely and honorably as you did. I recently heard about this website and you were the first officer I wanted to look up. I wanted to say thank you for being our hero...you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you...for so much.

Officer Karen Whitted
Marion Police Department

March 23, 2008

Eryk,

I never knew about this website and happened to find it just "surfing around". I'm glad that I am able to say just a few words, after all of this time.

I knew you first when you were just a little boy and I worked with your Mom. I am proud to have served with you. I think about you often, and stop by to pay my respects regularly. Your courage and your supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Patt K

Captain Patt Kite (retired)
Allen County Police Department

February 19, 2008

Eryk,

As a grateful citizen that you protected I want to thank you. I know that Thank you is not enough, but until they have better words, I can only say Thank you.

I have since moved out of Ft Wayne and have become an officer. I can only hope that if my day ever comes, I can have a fraction of the courage and bravery that you had.

Watch over us here as we complete your work.....

God Speed Brother.....

Phil

February 15, 2008

As Christmas approaches the ache seems to grow. It is fun to remember our last Christmas with you at your house with you, Deb and new little Taylor. Such happy memories! Miss you more all the time...miss you missing out on our lives! Shel'

Michelle
Sister

December 9, 2007

10 years and it still hurts like the day it happened..I took my oldest son to your memorial this year and though he was to little to remember you. I want him to understand the commitment and dedication you felt for our profession. I think of you every night especially when i'm working on Lima Rd (I know you got my back out there!). MIchelle always tells us ALL be safe and makes sure were wearing our vest. Until we meet again brother.

S. Heck
ACPD

October 23, 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

October 23, 2007

I knew Eryk for several years. When I went back to ILEA the 2nd time he gave me all of his study guides. He use to tell me you have your entire life and career ahead of you. We would tease each other that he nor I would get on as full time officers because our eyesight was so bad. Next thing I know Eryk went and got surgery so no more glasses. Eryk never forgot where he came from,he was and is a true warrior in everyway. We learned alot from each other and being a police officer was not what we did,it was who we were. God must have needed him more in Heaven then we did here on earth. Unit 188 Gods Speed/Rest in Peace.

Patrolman 1st Class S.Michael Tate
ACPD/NMPD-Retired

August 20, 2007

10 years, It is still hard to believe. I will never forget you, and what you meant to me. You made life better for all of us. Because of you, I became a better person, and a better officer. Our friendship, and one pink K-9 are memories that will live on forever. Until we meet again..........

August 17, 2007

10 years. Still seems like yesterday. M

Michelle
Sister

August 17, 2007

What a True Hero. My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Heck on the anniversary of his passing. Reading his reflections he sounded like a great guy! May God continue to comfort you all. He was taken too soon. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

August 15, 2007

Taylor let balloons go at the cemetery two days ago for you to catch. We had just left the bike riders riding for COPS after having eaten lunch with them. They read your page off the ODMP and even after 10 years I still cry. Then we met a really great FWPD officer named Mark Louden and he has the coolest tattoo on his forearm with August 15, 1997 and John 15:13 with a cross and rose on it. He said "I didn't know your brother very well but Eryk died doing what a cop is supposed to do". You were a hero to me before that day but it is nice to know you are a hero to others too. I am glad people have not forgotten you...because we haven't.

June 27, 2007

On behalf of the Tampa police Department, we send our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of this brave Officer. Your actions on that day were both admirable and inspirational.

I had the oppurtunity to meet your mother at the Police Memorial in Tampa on May 11. She is extremely proud of you as I'm sure you know. Here face lit up when she was speaking of you. She is a special lady, her work with C.O.P.S is and will help families with the pain that she experienced on that tragic day. The shock of the incident is still with her but she seems to use that energy to help others. I thank her for that!

To your family and especially your daughter, please know that your son, husband, father is with you always and he will continue looking out for you from above. Officer Heck I recently lost a friend, Det. Kieth Dressl of the Toledo Police Department. Would say hello to my frined for me, I'm sure the two of you would hit it off, he has a personality like no other.

Thank you for your bravery and service. You are a HERO which will never be forgotten. I ask you to continue looking out for your "Bothers/Sisters", after all you proved that your the BEST partner one could ask for! God Bless.

Officer Shane Gadoury
Tampa Police Department, Fl

May 12, 2007

Eryk - You must be listening. Det. Mike Lee and I were just talking about your heroic act last week and today I was going to log onto this website to check reflections for a friend killed in 1986 and I see where Mike left you a reflection. You truely are a hero to us all. God Bless your family and fellow officers from Allen County Sheriff's Department. You will never be forgotten and thanks for thinking of us.

Det. Darron Sparks
Anderson IN PD

February 22, 2007