A routine traffic stop turned deadly 45 years ago Wednesday for Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputy Morris Heithcock.
On the anniversary of his death, Heithcock’s memory was honored in a ceremony at the Franklin Marriott Wednesday afternoon at the Tennessee State Conference of the FBI National Academy Associates.
State Representative Sam Whitson and others spoke, as well as Sheriff Jeff Long and the fallen officer’s family was presented with a special proclamation.
Long told the room the story of that fateful night:
At 11:15 p.m. On June 28, 1972, Deputy Heithcock heard and responded to a call from Fairview’s police chief, Willy “Shorty” Mangrum. Mangrum had pulled a car over; the driver pulled a shot gun out and told the chief to leave.
He did, but he also put it out on the radio: assistance needed. Deputy Heithcock met Mangrum back at the scene, finding the man gone.
While discussing what to do next, suddenly a familiar vehicle came speeding by. Heithcock took lead pursuit with Mangrum on his tail.
Suddenly, across the county line, the fleeing driver pulled into his driveway. What happened next was a tragedy and outrage.
Mangrum, as the driveway came into view, saw that the man had gotten out of his car and hid in the bushes with his shotgun, laying in wait for Heithcock as he pulled up, and shooting him in the chest. He died, at 32, just two months into his job as a Sheriff’s deputy. He left behind four children and six siblings— and a legacy of the ultimate sacrifice.
Today, his nephew followed in his footsteps.
Daniel Beard, Heithcock’s sister’s son, never met his uncle but he grew up hearing all about him and how he died in the line of duty.
“I grew up hearing all the stories about him and eventually I joined the sheriff’s office,” he said.
