Billie R. Heckle

Reserve Deputy Billie Heckle was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect.

Deputy Heckle and another officer had pursued the man in a stolen vehicle until it crashed near Randall Avenue and Larch Avenue in San Bernadino.

The suspect then fled into an orange grove with the two deputies in pursuit. As Deputy Heckle shined his flashlight in search of the man, the suspect fired toward the light, striking Deputy Heckle in the forehead.

Members of the Rialto Police Department arrested the suspect about an hour later. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to five years to life.

Reserve Deputy Heckle was a United States Navy World War II veteran and had served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for 9 years. He was survived by his wife and stepdaughter.

Shortly after the countywide peace officer memorial in May 2023, SEBA joined members of the Sheriff's Honor Guard as they embarked on a mission across the county. Their goal? To draw attention to specific monuments dedicated to their fallen brothers.