Remembering Corporal Keith Heacook

Two years ago this week time stood still as the devastating news from the town of Delmar spread across our corner of the world. People were checking in on one another and we were struggling to stay calm, as our first responders were being asked so many questions to which they had no answers. We cried, we prayed, and later that day, we gathered together in Delmar for a vigil I will never forget.

The next few days it felt as we were holding our breath, as our beloved Corporal Heacook fought for his life; the grim, stoic faces, devastating silence, and the heavy sadness felt as if it would smother us as we waited, still reeling from anger and grief. During the worst of times we saw the best in our community as strangers came together, businesses offered meals, and many of our leaders provided a calm, comforting voice in the storm. To just some of the people involved and affected by this horrific incident, I still wish you knew....


• how closely we held the Heacook family in our hearts and prayers, where even today, you occupy a special place in our lives,

• the extent of gratitude extended to our fire departments, emergency crews and medical teams first on the scene, who fought with everything they had save and care for Keith,

• how deeply we grieved with each and every member of the Delmar Police Department,

• we may not have said it then, but our hearts went out to the individuals who weren't seen, but who handled the frantic first response that Sunday, our dispatchers and telecommunications operators,

• how loved you were, Cpl. Keith Heacook; cherished by family and close friends, valued by your brothers and sisters in blue, respected and admired by so many.



In the following weeks, I often wondered if he was looking down and seeing how much of an impression he made on us; what a mark he left on this town and it's two counties. The impact his life had was immeasurable and profound, and two years later, it barely seems possible that someone like Keith left our world. Forever remembered; always honored; loved more than words can say. We miss you sir.

Delmarva Supports Law Enforcement was established to recognize law enforcement across the fourteen counties of the Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware and the eastern shore counties of Maryland and Virginia). Respect for all who defend the Thin Blue Line.
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