Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Heist,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Escambia County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 3, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Heist.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 15, 2018

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Doug, We had a surprise birthday day party for Marty today. Debbie,Floyd,robbin,tommy and clay did a great job. a lot of old timers were there and some stories were told,but I know you would expect nothing less.

Gavin Price Retired
escambia county sheriffs dept

October 10, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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.

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

May 9, 2013

So many of your family members have followed in your foot steps, I know you are walking side by side with them all. May they all have great careers, and thank you all for your service and dedication to protect us all. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Heist, we will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

May 3, 2013

So today while I was being sworn in at the Escambia County Sheriff's office other members of our family were in Tallahassee to attend another parole hearing for the person (Ernest Fitzpatrick) who killed my father n law Deputy Floyd Douglas Heist. Needless to say, after all these years of him being in prison he has been educated and has become a law clerk. What has this done for him? Well, he now knows how to play the system all at tax payers expense. The results of today's hearing - well, for good behavior he managed to get 1 year knocked off of his sentence for killing my father n law in the line of duty. Instead of having a release date of 2140, he now has a release date of 2139. Makes no sense to me..this is clearly a waste of tax payers money. Some things about our system I just don't understand.
Dona Heist-daughter n law (Escambia County Sheriffs Office Detention Deputy) Clay Heist-son (Escambia County Sheriffs Office Detention Deputy) Joshua Heist-grandson (Escambia County Sheriffs Office Detention Deputy) Lauren Heist-granddaughter (currently attending academy)

D Heist

June 27, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all and the families left behind, and you sir are a hero...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

May 3, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Heist. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU DADDY.

DD J.C. HEIST
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

December 17, 2011

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are one of them.. Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

May 3, 2011

I still think of you after all these years...you were a special man. I know you are up there watching over the entire family....PROUD of what you see. I still see Froy, Clay, occassionally Debi, & Robin...haven't seen Tommy...you have beautiful grandchildren, too. It's amazing how the "Heist" likeness still shines through so strongly. They all loved you so very much & still miss you so very much, as do I. I feel honored to have known you & had the opportunity to share time with you & your family. You will NEVER be forgotten !!!!

May God bless & keep them all safe in His embrace,
Teresa (Arnold)

Ofc. T. A. Gradia
State of Florida-Dept. of Corrections

November 5, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 3, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 5, 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

October 2, 2007

I began employment at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office in late 1978 and worked in Communications until I left for a career with a major railroad. I returned to the Dept. part time as a Reserve Deputy for several years and recall many times standing and honoring the wall that held our slain officers pictures.

Deputy Heist was on my shift and I enjoyed his brief visits to the Communications Center. He always appeared "high" on life and seemingly eager to be a mentor to anyone with aspirations of making law enforcement a career.

I am still employed as a locomotive engineer and some 28 years later still hold very high regard for Deputy Doug Heist and the memories that I have working with him.

Jeff Payne
Former Escambia County Sheriff's Office employee

January 7, 2007

I remember the college class with you and Eric Streeter , who was killed after you . Those were the days ! You are not forgotten.

MDS Wayne Ladieu
Escambia County Sheriff Office

October 13, 2006

It seems like yesterday we were in the church parking lot talking about being a deputy sheriff. I always had a lot of questions and you were never to busy to answer them. now I have finished my career and retired. YOU were a friend and a GOOD COP! May you rest in peace my friend.

SENIOR DEPUTY GAVIN PRICE (RETIRED)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY SO

September 23, 2006

Twenty five years ago your life was taken.
Let no officer go without reflection.
Today you are remembered. Your service to the citizens of Escambia County is not forgotten.

May 3, 2005