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
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

