Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Eryk Heck was shot and killed, and another officer was shot and wounded after responding to a burglary in progress at a home off of Billy Drive. While investigating the burglary at 1:30 am, the two officers discovered a truck parked on an abandoned railroad right of way off Till Road, approximately one mile from the home. As the officers watched the truck, the suspect appeared, and the second officer approached to question him. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking the second officer in the arm and knocking him to the ground. Officer Heck then got in front of the wounded officer and returned fire before being shot in the neck, leg, and jaw. He was able to shoot and kill the suspect before succumbing to his injuries. Officer Heck was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Officer Heck had served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, 11-month-old daughter, parents, and seven sisters. His mother had also served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department. In 1999, State Road 3 between I-69 north to the county line was dedicated the Eryk T. Heck Memorial Highway in his honor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 11-month-old daughter, parents, and seven sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-3ED55592- 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.
Police Officer Heck gave the Allen County Sheriff's Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Wayne community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Heck.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Eryk Todd Heck 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Allen County Sheriff's Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Eryk Todd Heck's cause is highlighted.
How Eryk Todd Heck Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Eryk Todd Heck is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Eryk Todd Heck was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Allen County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
