Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-772B71C9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Heist gave the Escambia County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pensacola community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Heist.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr. is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Escambia County Sheriff's Office, 10 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to live without parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr. is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Floyd Douglas Heist, Sr. was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Escambia County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
