End of Watch:
January 13, 1982
Age: 32
Salt Lake City Police Department
Homicide: Handgun
Sergeant Ronald L. Heaps was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person call.
At approximately 9: 25 p.m., Sergeant Heaps and two other officers responded to the area of 1300 South 300 East. They contacted the occupants of a motor home, unaware that one of them was wanted for the October 2, 1981, murder of California Highway Patrol Officer John Martinez. When the officers inquired regarding the ownership of the motor home, the wanted suspect produced a 9mm pistol and began firing. Sergeant Heaps was struck between the panels of his body armor and died within a few minutes. Although wounded, the second officer shot and killed the suspect. Another suspect attempting to flee the area was shot and killed by the third officer. Sergeant Heaps was married and the father of four children. He is buried in Alpine City Cemetery.
The bronze memorial name plaque of Sergeant Ronald L. Heaps is sponsored by the Salt Lake City Police Mutual Aid Association.