Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, May 3, 1980
Add to My HeroesFloyd Douglas Heist, Sr.
Deputy Sheriff Floyd Heist was shot and killed while attempting to negotiate with a suspect to release a hostage during an armed robbery.
He was the first officer on scene and entered the business before the armed robbery was confirmed. When the suspect saw him he took a hostage. While Deputy Heist attempted to negotiate the hostage's release the 21-year-old suspect suddenly shot him.
The 21-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced life. As of November 25, 2020, he was in prison.
Deputy Heist had served with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office for 9-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 9 years, 7 months
- Badge 119
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to live without parole
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Heist,
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 Escambia County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 3, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024