Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff John Morris Heithcock

Williamson County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Wednesday, June 28, 1972

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff John Morris Heithcock

Deputy Sheriff Heithcock,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army and TNARNG. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 28, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 28, 2020

Today is the 45th anniversary of your murder. We continue to honor you and remember you always. Gone but never forgotten.

Sgt. T. Luttrell
WCSO-TN

June 28, 2017

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

July 4, 2015

Another year has rolled around with out you here. June 28 is a rough day and I dont think it will ever become easier for anyone who knew you. You would be the proudest man alive if you were here because you left a legacy behind that will be carried on for a long time. I am going into my 4th year of college and John-Ryan has a little boy named Jett and Emily is gettingready for her third year of high school. The really awesome thing is, Jett has your initials. And I know if you were here you would eat that little boy up, becuase Dad does, and i have a strong feeling the way Dad is with Jett, is how you wouldve been with us. We miss you and talk of you often.

Kathryn Heithcock
Grandaughter

July 1, 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 75th anniversary year 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

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you. I thank your family and friends for shring their devotion to you through their reflections.

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

December 5, 2012

Your loss is still remembered today with many people I have met. I never met you, but Ive been told you were a great man and that I sometimes reflect that. Your family is proud of you and misses you.


-Officer Daniel Heithcock Beard

Officer
Nephew

November 9, 2011

I know i have already left something on here but it's been a while. So, you were hands down one of the most amazing people and i can tell that threw my dad. Ya' know he turned out to look just like you, i mean a scary spitting image. He talks about you all the time and I have learned so much by just listening. They say i look alot like dad -Tony- and they say i act alot like you. I just graduated and eventhough you weren't here you impacted my life more than you will ever know. I am proud to be a Heithcock and your grandaughter. R.I.P grandaddy morris

Kathryn Heithcock
Granddaughter

June 13, 2011

I know i have already left something on here but it's been a while. So, you were hands down one of the most amazing people and i can tell that threw my dad. Ya' know he turned out to look just like you, i mean a scary spitting image. He talks about you all the time and I have learned so much by just listening. They say i look alot like dad -Tony- and they say i act alot like you. I just graduated and eventhough you weren't here you impacted my life more than you will ever know. I am proud to be a Heithcock and your grandaughter. R.I.P grandaddy morris

Kathryn Heithcock
Granddaughter

June 13, 2011

Deputy Heithcock: I was on duty when the call went went out APB OFFICER DOWN!! The call all of us brothers in blue did not want to hear. A cold chill went rigth up my neck. Some of us on duty left the city to go to your aid. Laying their with blood on your shirt, you still had on your glasses. And the dirt bag got only 11 years for taking your life. You gave it all brother.

Sgt. Tommy Thompson
Brentwood Police Dept.

October 16, 2008

I am in tears after reading the reflections left by your grandchildren. They are the truest representation of the kind of man you were and the legacy you left. I didn't know you but I am truly honored to salute such a great officer and a great MAN. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice, Deputy Heithcock.


A Grateful Citizen

April 21, 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

January 30, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Heithcock, thank you for your service and dedication. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

January 24, 2008

I did not know you sir, but I am certain you carried yourself with pride and made our Department proud. I am sorry that I was never able to meet you. Thank you for your service to Williamson County, as I was born and raised here. Without men such as you, the county would be worse off. To your family, I am sorry for your loss and keep you in my prayers. God Bless.

Deputy J.R. Morris
Williamson County Sheriff's Dept.

July 5, 2007

While I wonder how different my life would be with you here,I do realize that all things happen for a reason. I will be graduating soon and for my senior forensics project I investagated your murder. I found out so many things about you and what a great man you were. I only hope I can leave half the legacy you left with your friends and family. You are dearly missed and still loved more than you could ever know.

John-Ryan Heithcock
Grandson

April 24, 2007

Morris was my platoon sergeant when I was in the 130th. Military Police Company, Tenn Army National Guard. I was a newby and Sgt. Heithcock took me under his wing and took care of me in this new enviornment. He was always there to help and assist us anytime we needed him. I will always remember him and cherish his memory. Rest in peace my friend.

Barry Matthews
Fellow Soldier

January 19, 2007

Last week I sat in the briefing room wondering for the umpteenth time who the young man in the old photo was on the wall. Now I know. I hope you know that you've left more on this earth than just that photograph, and I don't think anyone could say anything more eloquent than your granddaughter already has. Rest in peace, Sir.

C/O H. Vandagriff
Williamson County Sheriff's Department

October 6, 2006

Grandaddy Morris,
Although i never got to mee you i always feel that you are with me.I will never forget you,although you can not see this you are my rollmodle i have researched and read all things about you and I LOVE YOU GRAND-DADDY MORRIS.
I honor and respect you.
Your grandaughter,
Katie

Kathryn
grand-daughter

June 25, 2006

Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered. You are a hero. Thank you for what you did for your state and country.

Sgt. W.R. Griffith Ret.
South Carolina Highway Patrol

May 25, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Heithcock,
As one officer wrote in another fallen officer's reflection-"no fallen officer should be without a reflection." I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Williamson County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 27, 2005

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.