Corporal Brett Karl Heilman
Lubbock Police Department
Weatherford, TX
Date of Death: June 18, 2020
Age: 46
Years of Service: 17
Duty Status: Medically Separated
Veteran: Yes
Corporal Brett Heilman served with the Lubbock Police Department for 17 and had been retired because of an on the job injury when he died by suicide on June 18, 2020.
He spent his early childhood growing up on a cattle ranch in De Kalb, Texas where his ashes were laid to rest. After high school, Brett enlisted into the United States Air Force. He served as an Airman Security Specialist in the 507th Security Police Squadron, where he was quickly commended by his Master Sergeant for his desire to be the “best of the best”. Brett was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1999, having served for 7 years.
After the Air Force, Brett attended Texas Tech University before answering the call to serve his community as a Lubbock Police officer. Brett served faithfully and honorably for 17 years before an injury on duty resulted in an honorable medical retirement from the Lubbock Police Department. He returned to college, this time at Tarleton State University. During this time, he met his wife Stephanie who was living in the Austin Texas area. He made the decision to relocate to Austin in order to begin their fairytale.
Still wanting to make a difference, Brett became an insurance adjuster. He worked primarily for Eberl Claim Services and handled catastrophic property claims. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty for homeowners across the country, his calm and quiet voice would reassure them that they had someone in their corner to guide them through the process of rebuilding their home.
His word and a handshake were his bond. His smile would light up a room despite his daily pain due to his injury on duty. Brett sought therapy for his past trauma but was unable to overcome his emotional pain.
Brett is survived by his wife Stephanie Heilman, his daughter Kaitlyn Heilman, his bonus sons Garrett Long and Stephen Long, his father and mother Bill and Sandi Heilman, his brother Casey Heilman and family. There are countless other family members to be mentioned that are loved so dearly.
