Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless and keep you

Mary Riddle
Former State Parole Officer

October 4, 2023

Sgt. Heaps,
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 Salt Lake City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 13, 2022

Thank you Sgt. Heaps for your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Salt Lake City. You and your fellow officers stood tall that day and faced danger with tepidity and courage. My twin brother went through the academy with Johnny Martinez. They were both U.S. Marines and became good friends in the academy--they also worked together in Los Angeles after graduating from the CHP Academy. Johnny's death greatly affected my brother. The suspect who shot Sgt. Heaps and Johnny was a stone cold killer and gang banger. The suspect's companion was no better. I thank all of those from Salt Lake City PD who gave so much that day. I later worked with the Salt Lake S.O. and PD on occasion, including some of the SWAT members of the PD, when we went to a class together. Both were great departments.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret)
Washoe Sheriff (Reno, Nv) & NVDPS

January 13, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

October 2, 2020

Ron Heaps was an Electronics Technician at Sperry Utah where I was an engineer. I often worked with him on new electronics circuits. Ron often talked about how he came from a police family but because of a minor marijuana conviction as a minor, he was not able to become a police officer. I was happily surprised when I found later that he left Sperry and became a member of the police department.
Later, I called the police regarding a small fire set in some apartments I owned. Ron responded and we had a brief conversation.
He was a good guy.

r hemingway
no police relationship

July 18, 2019

I was a West Jordan officer in 1982 and I rode in Ron's funeral procession. I so wished I could do more for your loved ones back then. I know you're waiting for your family on the other side, Sgt. Heaps. Blessings to all your family who still love you and miss you.

Fmr patrolman, WJPD Lance Hamner
West Jordan Police

May 14, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

October 2, 2017

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 24, 2015

Today is January 12, 2014. We are still trying to build a memorial park @ the location of the 10-42 (300 East, 1300 South.There is a foot of snow, and the ground is frozen @ that location, but on 1-13-2014, we will again post the American Flag to show our respect, and thanks. We will never forget.

Troop 32
Boy Scouts of America, Great Salt Lake Council

January 12, 2014

The second officer was my father, Dennis Nelson. He was shot in the arm and in the inside of his thigh, nicking his artery. He returned fire and shot the suspect, Eugene Gonzalez, 5 times (2x chest, 2x arm, once in the neck). Gonzalez fell dead where he had stood. Doug Roberts was the third officer.

I was 4 at the time and one of my earliest memories is watching the evening news while sitting next to my pregnant mother, my two year old sister at her other side - and seeing my father in pressure pants to keep blood circulating above his waist because he had lost so much.

One of the first responders on the scene (I don't recall the name) was assigned to notify my mother of what had happened. He arrived just after the news and when he showed up on the doorstep to deliver the bad and potentially grave news to our family, and the porch light was turned on, he only then realized that his hands were still covered in my father's blood. He broke down, and my pregnant mother led him inside to the kitchen sink, consoling him as she helped him wash my father's blood off his hands.

This shooting was the last call they were to have made that night and it ended up as Ron's last call and almost as my father's. I also remember going over to Ron Heap's house after my father had recovered so that he could pay his respects and give his condolences to Anita. What a heartrending series of events! I believe that this deeply affected my father for the rest of his life and changed him deeply.

God bless you and your family, Ron, for your sacrifice!

Zak Nelson
Son of second officer involved (Dennis Nelson)

July 10, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Laslater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all of 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 12, 2012

Sgt Heaps and family.
We in troop 32 of the Great Salt Lake Council Boy Scouts of America,and Liberty Wells Community Council would like to honer you each holiday by posting the American Flag @ the site where you gave the altimite sacrifice of your life for the citizens of our community and our country.

Our community has been trying to build a park @ this location but have run into obsticules.
Thank you Sgt. Heaps !

Boy Scout Troop 32 of Salt Lake City
Liberty Wells Community Council

September 5, 2011

Sgt Heaps, Thank you for your service. I hope you are watching over all your brother and sisters in blue.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE/PUT

March 18, 2010

Sgt. Heaps,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Salt Lake City. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

January 12, 2009

God bless you Sgt.

DFC. Daniel O'Donnell
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)

July 23, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 4, 2008

YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
MAY YOUR SPIRIT WATCH OVER ALL MEN AND WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

DEPUTY SHERIFF AUDIE LOWE RET.
SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA SHERIFF'S DEPT.

December 24, 2007

Brother, I just want you and your family to know that the CHP will never forget the sacrifice you made bringing those killers to justice.. Rest in Peace and God Bless All

DB
Calif Hwy Patrol..Ret.

October 2, 2007

Hi you don't know me but... umm I am a friend of Ashley's and I guess I will just say that you were brave. Don't know you at all... but ok.

Stranger

February 16, 2007

I didnt know you grandpa. you left my family so early. But Hearing all that you did to help has made me proud of you.I Love You. Rest In Peace.

Ashley
Grand Daughter

February 14, 2007

May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

January 12, 2007

Daddy you left me when I was young but I am not saying that it was wrong.
You loved your work and everything you stood for. You loved your family they meant the world. A wife, three boys, and one baby girl.
You have been gone now for 24 years but you will always be in my mind and in my heart.

love you always
your daughter
Jaemi

Jaemi Heaps
Daughter

October 6, 2006

I am sad to see that a good friend, and a very decent man has died.

friend from the military (Germany)

May 29, 2006

Sgt. Ron Heaps, as I stood in the lobby of the Salt Lake City Police Department last Tuesday for the first time in many years, my heart was heavy with emotions for you, your wife Anita, your children, and that night that will be with me forever. I felt your presence that night as I was at the hospital with Anita. I felt your presence at your funeral. Your strength helped so many of us through that ordeal as I know your strength and example continues to bouy so many today. Thank you. Forever & always, Annette Fierro

Police Dispatcher
Park City Police Department

February 25, 2006