Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As I look back on my career, I owe you and two other retired Alaska State Troopers my gratitude. I had the pleasure of meeting Trooper Heck in 1996 when He and these two other Troopers whom lighted my fire and passion for who I am today. I was sadden yet proud when I got my acceptance letter to attend the academy that March. I wear my bracelet everyday as reminder of you and to the cause. Thank you for letting me do my ride alongs back in the day. May you have eternal peace my brother. Your legacy will forever live on, not only with me but also the Alaska State Troopers.

Sergeant Carlos Gomez
Maryland Capitol Police

April 9, 2020

Rest in Peace Trooper Heck

I met Trooper Heck on the Glen Highway about three miles east of Glennallen. I was headed west going towards Palmer in my Motorola company van and Trooper Heck was heading eastbound. I did not see him until my radar detector screamed at me and boy did I hit the brakes. I think the front bumper might have hit the pavement. I just stopped the vehicle and Trooper Heck passed by me, turned around and pulled behind me. I stepped out and as he got out of his cruiser with a big grin and laughter in his voice shouted, Got Ya'. I'll never forget his smile and how nice he was to me. This was in 1991. In January 1997 when I saw on the news what had happened, I couldn't believe it and wept. He was truly one of the best.

Mike Spiller / citizen
Wasilla, Alaska

May 16, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Heck.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 11, 2019

Bruce Heck was a wonderful human being. He always had a smile on his face and was always ready to help any time you needed anything. I am grateful to have known him and hope peace and blessings find his family always.

Susan Pickrell,Former Detective Sergeant
Ketchikan Police Dept.

January 15, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 21st anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 10, 2018

I'm a retired UAA prof. in Palmer. When leaving Alaska on RT drives, I'd stop and invariably see Bruce chatting w/locals and building community. The procession of police vehicles behind his hearse went by my home on the Glenn. I was telling Bruce's story to an RV'er last summer who was a retired long haul driver. He was brought to tears at the loss of Bruce and to our community. Always remember, never forget.

Paul Maguire, PhD
Bradley Lake, Palmer

Paul Maguire, PhD
Citizen

May 7, 2016

Often think of Bruce, I met Bruce 46 years ago in Juneau. Bruce was a few years older then me, but that didn't seem to bother him, l loved the outdoors and wanted to learn to shoot and hunt small game, It was no problem for him. We had many trips up basin road, mount Roberts and perseverance trail. He was a great big brother. Rest in Peace

Mac Mixson
Friend

January 18, 2016

I FIRST MET BRUCE IN KETCHIKAN IN THE MID 80S, HE WAS A REALLY NEAT GUY AND WE HIT IT OFF RIGHT AWAY,I WAS A TOW TRCK DRIVER /OWNER AN WORKED WITH BRUCE MANY TIMES,HE ALWAYS HAD A JOKE AND A SMILE,I WAS SADDENED AT HIS PASSING, THE PEOPLE OF ALASKA LOST A VERY SPECIAL PERSON.

GEORGE HANCOCK
TOWTRUCK DRIVER

November 26, 2015

I first met Bruce when i was about 11 years old, (now 57), back in the late 60's. Bruce was best friend to my brother Mark Chase until we ended up moving to Washington St in 1974. Even at that time you could see his funny side. I am truly saddened by his passing.
Craig Chase

Craig Chase
Friend

March 17, 2015

The dog race is getting ready to start again, and so I remember the night you left. They are forever tied together for me.

As I drive by, I search the snow for tracks and answers that are long gone. It's quiet there now.

Sharon Daniel
family-in-law

January 5, 2015

My uncle Bruce was hilarious. My mom would often tell me stories about her big brother's pranks, and growing up in my house you were never safe on April Fool's Day. I have a home video of a time Bruce visited us in Bellingham, WA in the early 90's. I taught my little brother how to catch garter snakes and in short order he had a bucket with about 5 of them. He was trying to sell them to us so that he could buy some candy. Uncle Bruce bought the whole bucket for $5 for the sole purpose of chasing my mother around with it. It's hysterical to watch to this day. His sense of humor was passed on to his little sister, who absolutely adored him, and down to me and now onto my daughter. The ripples of his life will continue forever as long as we still need laughter to help us make it through and as long as scaring your loved ones is still funny. The loss my family felt when he was taken from us reverberates to this day. Nothing was ever quite the same after that day, but my goal in life is to have a positive affect on the people around me so that when I go I leave love and laughter in my wake. Like uncle Bruce. We miss you.

Jeremy, Bruce's nephew

October 15, 2014

Rest In Peace Trooper Bruce Alan Heck. You Did Your Job By Sacrificing Yourself For Others Safety. Your Job Is Done. Rest In the Heavens Up Above. I Will Send A Letter To your Agency Soon On Your Memory.

Student At Mission Hills High School CA
N/A

May 2, 2014

That was a dark day in the valley. I still think of Bruce often. But most of the thoughts are of what an excellent person he was. Truly one of the finest in a field of fine officers.

Sharlane Donaldson

August 5, 2013

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 3, 2013

Hey dude,

I've tried to do well, I think you'd be proud. I wish you could have met McKenna, she's amazing.

It's tough without you here. I miss you every day.

Brian
Proud son

January 10, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 13, 2012

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