DELMAR- Funeral services have been announced for Cpl. Keith Heacook, the Delmar police officer who died after he was attacked while responding to a fight late last month.
A full police detail funeral will be held on Monday, May 10, at noon at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive in Salisbury, Md. The Rev. Christopher Labarge will officiate. Receiving will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Interment will be private.
Authorities say Heacook, 54, was attacked on April 25 by Randon Wilkerson, 30, of Salisbury, after responding to a report of a fight in Delmar. A witness reported that Wilkerson slammed his foot repeatedly on Heacook’s head while he lay unconscious. Wilkerson, who is now charged with murder in connection with Heacook's death, is also accused of attacking an elderly couple.
Over the weekend thousands of people lined the procession route to honor the 22-year veteran of the Delmar Police Department as Heacook's body returned home Sunday from Baltimore. As the procession made its way into Delmar, it passed under a large American flag as the hearse went by the police station on its way to the funeral home.
One supporter hopes all of the officers are strengthened by the support.
"I think the show of support means a lot. I think the death of one of their officers is hitting hard. It has hit all of the country pretty hard, anytime an officer.is killed, especially when it was so senseless," said Stephanie Preston, of Salisbury. "Just know that their jobs aren't easy. They're the ones you call when you need help. So, no matter your situation you feel like you're in danger you call someone else to take care of that danger for you."
Heacook's 12-year old son, Matthew, watched as his father's body arrived.
Matthew was on the mind's of many of the supporters.
"Keep helping the family, support them anyway that we possibly can especially his 12-year old son, said Justin Seymore, of Delmar, Md. "I know he's got to be completely overwhelmed now with everything going on," he said.
There were several events held Saturday to raise money for the family and specifically, Matthew. Hundreds of jeeps from clubs all across Delmarva paraded to a softball tournament, where the tournament organizer says countless local businesses donated money, food, and supplies. In all, $37,000 was raised.
"To go through what he's going through right now, I couldn't imagine," said Phillip Cooper, Mission 22, Delmar. "That's our goal is to spoil him with love and care so he has nothing to worry about when he gets older," he said.
All money raised will go toward a trust and education fund for Matthew Heacook, according to Cooper. An education fund has been established at the Bank of Delmarva.
