Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Ronald Heaps was shot and killed while investigating a loud music complaint. Unbeknownst to Sergeant Heaps, one of the subjects was wanted for October 1, 1981, murder of Officer Johnny Martinez, of the California Highway Patrol. As Sergeant Heaps made contact with the subject the man produced a handgun from his waistband and opened fire. One of the rounds struck Sergeant Heaps in his collar bone, just above his vest, and traveled into his chest. Despite being wounded, Sergeant Heaps was able to return fire and broadcast an officer down call. Other responding officers engaged the suspects in a shootout, killing both men. One other officer was also wounded in the shootout. Sergeant Heaps was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds shortly after midnight. Sergeant Heaps had served with the Salt Lake City Police Department for 6-1/2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-UT-E670BD76- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Heaps gave the Salt Lake City Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salt Lake City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Heaps.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Ronald L. Heaps is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In UT, 84 of 138 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this state's fallen. That is 60.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Salt Lake City Police Department, 14 of 23 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ronald L. Heaps's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald L. Heaps Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald L. Heaps is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald L. Heaps was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
22 officers from Salt Lake City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
