U.S. Air Force · United States 
Floyd Douglas Heist
1980
Floyd Douglas Heist Sr. served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Floyd served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
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.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1955 – 1959
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Escambia County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpg7vh9n3rr31n0xv7n4
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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