Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Today we give honor and respect to Deputy Heikkila in remembrance of the sacrifice he made 26 years ago. A memorial highway in his name will be dedicated to him on M-120 in Twin Lake. God Bless his family and family of blue for knowing he will never be forgotten. True warrior, Rest In Peace.

Lydia Amaya (Commissioner)
Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument

October 15, 2021

Rest In Peace

Mark Mottola

February 15, 2020

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 12, 2015

I miss you

Friend, Lawrence Garner

September 27, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

Rest In Peace and I'll see you on the other side.

Sgt Don "Boots" Jensen

Don P Jensen
Milwaukee Wisconsin Police, Retired

February 15, 2010

To Deputy Ernest Heikkila, his loved ones, and his fellow deputies:

On this the 14th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today. I can see from the loving reflections left by your loyal friends that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by all those whose lives you touched.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Ernest. I am so humbled by your valor and service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Ernest gave to his community and the citizens of Michigan, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 15, 1995.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

February 15, 2009

Deputy Heikkila your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 23, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 10, 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

November 26, 2007

Deputy Heikkila, thank you for your service.

Michelle - wife of LEO

April 12, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 29, 2004

I was so shocked the day of your death-it was a tragic loss to all of Muskegon County-RIP

Hilda Duell

I never had the privelage of knowing Officer Heikkila, but remember the day the accident occured. It was a shock to the Muskegon community to hear of his death. Deputy Heikkila was well respected by everyone I know, that came into contact with him.

The memorial at the crash site dedicated to his honor has been taken down, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those Deputy's still protecting the Muskegon Community today. I have nothing but respect for Deputy Heikilla, and his family that supported him.

Ernie, Thank you for your dedication and service. The job you were given was to protect and serve. Mutual friends of ours say that's just what you did, with an awe inspiring devotion. Your memorial may have been taken down, but you will always be remembered for what you truly are, a hero. May you continue to rest in Peace brother.

Sgt. Travis Eyestone
Mercy General Health Partners Security