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Robert J. Heavey
Incident
Juvenile Detention Officer / Counselor Robert Heavey died as the result of injuries sustained 16 days earlier when he was assaulted by an inmate at the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center.
On January 3rd, Officer Heavey and several other officers were attempting to break up a large fight in the detention center's day room when he was punched twice in the head by one of the inmates. He was transported to the local hospital and treated for a large bruise and swelling to his left eye, and later released.
He returned to the hospital the following day to undergo surgery to his eye socket, which had been fractured. While waiting for the surgery to begin his condition deteriorated and became unconscious. He remained in a coma until passing away from the injuries.
Two juvenile inmates were subsequently charged as adults in connection with his murder. Both were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years prison.
Officer Heavey had served as a part-time juvenile detention officer for 18 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Juvenile Detention Officer Heavey served with the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center.
Thank you for your service to the Morristown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Juvenile Detention Officer Heavey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Morris County Juvenile Detention Center remembered here.
Robert is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1995, 7 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1995, 96 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1995, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 29. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 5.7% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Thursdays: 13.3%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Morris County Juvenile Detention Center. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Morris County Juvenile Detention Center are honored on badge.nw.