07/16/2026
Please join us in praying for the family of Deputy Adam James Heitman, the Creek County Sheriffâs Office, and everyone impacted by this tragic line-of-duty loss.
May God surround his wife, daughters, friends, and fellow deputies with peace, strength, and comfort in the difficult days ahead.
We honor Deputy Heitmanâs service, sacrifice, and legacy. He will not be forgotten.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Creek County Sheriff's Office Announces the Line-of-Duty Death of Deputy Adam James Heitman
Sapulpa, Oklahoma â July 16, 2026
The Creek County Sheriffâs Office is deeply saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Deputy Adam James Heitman, age 38.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, members of the Creek County Sheriffâs Office Task Force, Creek County Sheriffâs deputies, the United States Marshals Service, and the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police coordinated the apprehension of a wanted felon who was sought on multiple felony warrants and had recently assaulted a law enforcement officer while escaping custody.
Deputy Heitman was a member of the arrest team. During the operation, the suspect attempted to flee by jumping a fence, crossing a creek, and running through an open field. Deputy Heitman and his K-9 partner, Thanos, successfully pursued and apprehended the suspect, who was taken into custody without further incident.
Less than an hour after the arrest, while at the Creek County Sheriffâs Office, Deputy Heitman suffered a medical emergency. Fellow deputies and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers immediately rendered aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Responders from Creek County EMS and the Sapulpa Fire Department performed extensive lifesaving measures before transporting Deputy Heitman to Ascension St. John Sapulpa Hospital. Despite the extraordinary efforts of first responders and medical staff, Deputy Heitman was pronounced deceased at 7:41 p.m.
Prior to joining the Creek County Sheriffâs Office, Deputy Heitman served two years with the Kiefer Police Department and four years in the United States Marine Corps. During his military service, he served as a Team Leader with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and deployed to Iraq. He served as a Reconnaissance Marine, Combat Instructor, and Weapons Instructor before being honorably discharged in 2010.
Deputy Heitman joined the Creek County Sheriffâs Office in 2022. During his tenure, he served as a patrol deputy and later as a K-9 handler alongside his partner, Thanos. Within months of joining the agency, Deputy Heitman was credited with saving the life of an overdose victim and was awarded the Sheriffâs Life Saving Award in recognition of his actions.
Deputy Heitman was a highly respected member of the Creek County Sheriffâs Office, the K-9 community, and the law enforcement profession. The respect and admiration he earned throughout his career were evident in the overwhelming response of law enforcement officers who gathered at the hospital and later escorted him to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
âDeputy Heitman exemplified courage, service, and dedication to others. He served his community, his fellow deputies, and his country with honor. His loss is immeasurable, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.â
Deputy Heitman is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced when they become available.