Escambia Corrections Officer Passes Away While On Duty

June 18, 2017

An Escambia County Corrections Officer in Cantonment passed away Saturday, June 17 at a local hospital after being transported from his duty site.

Employed with the county since 2009, Officer Joe William Heddy, Jr., 63, was an Escambia County Jail staff member assigned to oversee inmates temporarily housed at the Escambia County Road Prison located in Cantonment.

A call was placed to Escambia County Emergency Communications at 1:13 p.m. requesting assistance for a non-injury related health issue. The first unit arrived on scene at 1:23 p.m. Officer Heddy was transferred to West Florida Hospital via ground.

County Administrator Jack Brown along with corrections staff met with family members at the hospital. He expresses the county’s grief by saying, “All of us, from the commissioners to our jail staff, were incredibly saddened to learn of Officer Heddy’s passing. He was a respected corrections officer, not only his fellow officers, but also the inmates in his care. Officer Heddy was known as being a dedicated professional – strong, yet kind. He will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to his family.”

As is standard protocol, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was called to open an investigation.

Comments

12 Responses to “Escambia Corrections Officer Passes Away While On Duty”

  1. Teresa B. on June 19th, 2017 11:41 am

    Our prayers to Joe’s wife and family. I worked with Joe for years at FPC Pensacola and he was always a true professional. God is in charge and as time passes, more and more of our friends are passing. Rest in Peace my friend.

  2. Ruth Dunnavant on June 19th, 2017 10:31 am

    So sorry to hear this sad news about Joe. I worked with him for several years when he worked at the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola. He was a caring person who treated all with fairness and kindness and I enjoyed knowing him and will miss him. He was an excellent Food Service Administrator at FPC Pensacola and I’m sure he was an excellent officer with the Escambia County Road Prison. My deepest condolences and prayers for his wife and family.

  3. Chris in Molino on June 18th, 2017 9:39 pm

    So sorry for this tragedy. Hope his family made it to the hospital in time.
    By the comments, it sounds as if he was liked and respected by a wide range of folks so his life ought to be celebrated that perhaps he is walking streets of gold looking upon his family. Prayers and good cheer for his family, friends, and coworkers.

  4. Stacey Schultz on June 18th, 2017 5:19 pm

    I heard the news and said a prayer right away. Worked with Joe on shift several years before moving to booking. He had a way with defusing problems without ever raising his voice. Great Officer and great person. You will be missed.

  5. Paul and Cheryl Anderson on June 18th, 2017 11:02 am

    Paul worked with Joe when they were both working for the federal prison.I worked with Joe at the jail. I am so sorry to his family at this tragic time. Joe was a kind hearted man. I will always remember his smile and his fun attitude. RIP Joe you will be missed

  6. Raymond Brown on June 18th, 2017 9:22 am

    I have known Joe and his family for 30 years Joe was a kind and gentile Christian man my prayers go out to Jill and his family .

  7. Sandy on June 18th, 2017 8:55 am

    Prayers for his family and work family.

  8. Shay on June 18th, 2017 8:45 am

    My condolences to Officer Heddy’s family. RIP Officer Heddy

  9. TheDarkKnight81 on June 18th, 2017 8:02 am

    RIP Officer Heddy! You will be missed. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with you.

  10. Friend and co-worker on June 18th, 2017 7:27 am

    Ofc. Heady was a friend and co-worker. My heart goes out to his wife and family. He was a good man and I will truly miss him. RIP my friend.

  11. Sara on June 18th, 2017 6:53 am

    I read this and realized I have been friends with his son for many years. My heart is hurting for his family. May he Rest In Peace.

  12. Terrypoole Poole on June 18th, 2017 6:27 am

    My husband worked side-by-side with Officer Heddy for the last 3 years. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Joe.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News