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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
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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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Salt Lake City Police Department has lost 23 officers; 14 of them killed feloniously.
Ronald is one of 84 officers killed feloniously in UT, 60.9% of the 138 remembered there.
Ronald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ronald is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1982, 1 officer at Salt Lake City Police Department was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 12 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 2.
In 1982, 1 officer in UT was killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1913, with 6.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ronald was 32. Of the 11 killed feloniously at Salt Lake City Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 50.5; the middle age was 41. Ronald had served 6.5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Ronald was 32. Of the 78 killed feloniously in UT whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 47; the middle age was 39. Ronald had served 6.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Ronald was 32. 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. Ronald had served 6.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ronald was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ronald had served 6.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 14.3% of these deaths at Salt Lake City Police Department; October holds the most, 21.4%. Wednesdays: 21.4%.
January holds 11.9% of these deaths in UT; May holds the most, 14.3%. Wednesdays: 11.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60.9% of all 23 deaths at Salt Lake City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 57.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.9% of all 138 deaths in UT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Salt Lake City Police Department has 23 officers remembered here, Ronald among them.
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William Cooke Oct 18, 1858
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Andrew H. Burt
Aug 25, 1883
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Alonzo M. Wilson
Apr 12, 1894
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Charles S. Ford
Dec 14, 1907
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Charles C. Riley
Oct 5, 1909
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John H. Johnston
Jul 8, 1911
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Thomas F. Griffiths
Jun 25, 1913
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Green B. Hamby
Feb 8, 1921
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Nephi P. Pierce
Mar 26, 1923
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David H. Crowther
Oct 12, 1923
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Nolan W. Huntsman
Feb 15, 1924
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Brigham H. Honey
Feb 16, 1924
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Gustave J. Lund
Aug 25, 1924
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Rollin R. Tanner
Sep 10, 1927
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Carl J. Carlson
Mar 9, 1929
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Blaine L. Baxter
Sep 4, 1935
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Thomas W. Stroud
Jan 5, 1951
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Owen T. Farley
May 23, 1951
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Harold A. Peterson, Sr.
Oct 27, 1954
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Percy Lindsay Clark
Jan 11, 1973
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Ronald L. Heaps
Jan 13, 1982
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Michael J. Dunman
Jul 17, 2000
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James E. Faraone
Sep 18, 2001
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
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