DELMAR, Del. - April 25 marks four years since Corporal Keith Heacook, a Delmar police officer, was attacked while responding to a call, an event that ultimately claimed his life and impacted the entire Delmar community.
Corporal Heacook’s injuries, sustained during a violent encounter while on duty, led to his passing just days later. The tragedy sparked an outpouring of support, policy changes and tributes in his name.
One of the first officers on the scene, Mike Houck, has spoken openly about the emotional toll that day continues to take. “I still have nightmares of the incident, post-traumatic stress every day,” Houck previously told CoastTV.
A Lasting Legacy
In the years since Heacook’s death, his legacy has inspired action. Just a year after his passing, the Delmar Police Department received raises and improved benefits, changes many in the community had demanded to better support law enforcement officers.
An annual tribute is the return of Heacook Fest, a festival held in his honor. Launched in 2022, the event brings the community together to remember Heacook’s life and service, featuring live music, local food vendors, activities and fundraising efforts for law enforcement and first responder-related causes.
Memorials and Community Support
Beyond the festival, several permanent memorials have been established in Heacook’s name. These include a trust fund for his son, the Corporal Keith Heacook scholarship for high school seniors pursuing careers in law enforcement, a commemorative bench near Delmar Town Hall, a street named in his honor and a mural.