Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have still not forgotten you after all these years. But for you who knows where I would have ended up. You are always in my thoughts, always in my heart, and maybe still guiding me. I'm retired now. I had a career of over 40 years in one form or another in the criminal justice system because you took the time to encourage me. With the kindest of respect Larry Gould, PhD, retired Louisiana State Police, former deputy East baton rouge parish sheriff's office and former baton rouge city police officer.

Larry A Gould, PhD, Retired Sergeant LSP
Louisiana State Police

January 25, 2024

Officer Heap,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Baton Rouge. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 1, 2022

I will always remember Dennis m

Larry Gould
LSP retired

February 24, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Heap.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 5, 2019

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 1, 2015

Rest in Peace brother in the Arms of Our Lord

Retired Chief Deputy John Tomaino Sr.
Mahoning County Sheriffs office Youngstown, ohio

October 26, 2014

It was about the summer of 1971 or so. I was woking at a dead end job at a gas station on the corner of Perkins and College. Officer Heap was working extra duty to assist the very long trucks carrying the beams for the I 10 construction as they passed through the intersection. There was a lot of time between each truck so we talked. He was very high on the Baton Rouge City Police Department. During our talks he really encouraged me to make an application to the Department. I was hired in December of 1971. He remained a friend until his death. Since then I have worked for the EBRSO, the LSU Police Department and the Louisiana State Police. I eventually became a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University and I am currently the Vice President of the Yuma Branch Campus of NAU. A very long time ago a man took time to tell a boy to get it in gear and get a career. Thank you Dennis Heap. I owe you more than simple words can express.

Larry A Gould, PhD
Northern Arizona University

March 4, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 49th 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

June 1, 2012

Officer Heap,

As others have stated, you are not forgotten sir! Your family and friends are still in our thoughts and prayers!!

PFC Penman
City of Fairfax PD, VA

March 8, 2009

I was only 2 years old when my daddy died so I never really got the chance to know him I do know he was a loving husband and father as well as a wonderful man. I only wish I had the chance to know him but I love him and even though I didnt know him he will always be missed

Sherron Heap
Daughter

October 12, 2008

O my beloved brother,how i have missed you.I was 13yrs.old when you were born,so i got to take care of you.You grew up into a kind,loving caring young man and especially to your family.Looking forward to seeing you again some day standing at heaven's gates with that smie you always had.God Bless all the police officers.I pray for you daily.I was honored to have had two in our family.

Norma Leonard
Sister

July 6, 2008

great to see so many kind words about uncle dennis...he was truly a hero in my young eyes...what i remember most was that he always had us kids laughing....and he used to let me sit on that big white harley...i was 11 when he left us, but i'll never forget him

Maury (James M. Sanders)
nephew

July 3, 2008

i remember dennis as a man that loved everone and life. my mom said when he was a little boy he played with toy pistol's who would have known then that he would become a police officer. may god bless him and outher officer's of the law.

nathan manuel jr.
my mom's brouther

June 30, 2008

I was a young girl when Uncle Dennis was killed, but I have never forgotten that day. No one wants to receive such tragic and shocking news. I especially remember his wake and funeral. I was so touched by the tears and compassion of the other officers. I could tell that Uncle Dennis was truly loved. Most touching was the honor guard who stood watch on each side of his casket with tears streaming down their faces. It is wonderful that the city of Baton Rouge has not forgotten him and the others who have given their lives to protect. I am thankful for the service of all of them as well as the men and women who continue to serve each day.

Stacey Wascom
niece

June 30, 2008

I am touched by the honor and respect still given to my uncle. He was my father's youngest brother. I was only 3 when he was killed so I don't remember that much about him. My father kept his memory alive by telling me about him. It means so much to me every year when his name is called during the fallen officer memorial service.

Kimberly Cedotal
niece

June 27, 2008

Thank you Officer Heap for your service. Your professionalism and dedication is truly everlasting. R.I.P.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

March 24, 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 2, 2008

It has been 35 years since you left us. You are not forgotten brother. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD

September 10, 2007

When Dennis was killed, the City lost a great warrior. His sense of humor, dedication to the people, and his talents as a man, were greatly missed.

Major Gardiner
Fellow worker

August 22, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

June 1, 2007

I remember Dennis Heap very well as I was a 13 yr old kid in Baton Rouge who had lost my Mom after being hit by a drunk driver on Hooper Rd in 1971. Dennis was one of the motorcycle officers that led my Mom's funeral in Nov 1971. I still remember him being very nice to me the day of my Mom's funeral. He was also a friend of my uncle (Buddy Shaffett, former BRPD Officer). I remember my grandparents talking about Dennis often. I am very pleased that I found this site on Dennis as I am now a true POLICE brother of his. Officer Heap, all my respect and admiration. You left a life long impression on a young boy who has now been a Police Officer for 29 years himself. GOD BLESS.

Deputy Chief Don Poore
Paola, KS Police Dept

October 23, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

June 4, 2006

Officer Heap,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Baton Rouge.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 1, 2005