Richard Carl Heins Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sterling Heights Police Department Officer and K-9 Handler Richard C. Heins Jr., on April 28, 2019. Rich was a true legend in the K-9 world and a great man. Our organization will truly miss Rich and we are privileged to still have a part of Rich’s legacy to train with on a daily basis through Skooby Do's and Don'ts K9 Training.

Officer Rich Heins has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. As a nationally accredited K-9 trainer and handler, Officer Heins has dedicated his life and career to excellence. Heins is a veteran of the Sterling Heights Police Department, who has been protecting and serving the Sterling Heights community for nearly 30 years. Heins became a K-9 Handler in 1996 and a K-9 Trainer for the Department in 1998.

Throughout his career, Heins, and his K-9 partners, K9's Rolf, Morgan and Chase, have been responsible for keeping our communities safe from drugs and crime; today, he continues to be the gold standard in K-9 policing.

Indeed, Heins has become an inspirational leader in the K-9 and law enforcement worlds; his experience, talent, and loyalty are makes him great police, but it his strength of character that makes him an even greater man.

Rich’s leadership qualities have been recognized both locally and nationally; he served as the Sterling Heights Police Officers Association President from 1996-2018; he served as Vice President-Central Region, United States Police Canine Assoc. National, for 4 years; he was a K9 trainer at Oakland Community College from 1998-2003 and Macomb Community College from 2003-2010.

Rich is currently a member and Region 19 Vice President of The United States Police Canine Association, a United States Police Canine Assoc. Regional Judge, a United States Police Canine Assoc. Nationally Certified Trainer, and he works as a K-9 Master Trainer at Skooby Do's and Don'ts K9 Training -Police K9 Division.

Rich was set to retire in March, 2019, but his legacy, within the Sterling Heights Police Department and within the world of K-9 policing, will be felt for generations.

Heins leaves behind two sons, Josh, 25, a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, and Jacob, 23, who has a physical therapy bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and is in the accelerated nursing program at Madonna University.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2019 at Heins Field inside Baumgartner Park, located at 13000 15 Mile Rd. in Sterling Heights (between Maple Lane and Schoenherr). Due to limited space, parking is strongly suggested at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Rd. (at corner of 15 Mile and Maple Lane) with a shuttle available to the park. A luncheon will follow at Warren FOP Hall, 11304 E.14 Mile Rd. (between Van Dyke and Maple Lane) in Warren.

Please note the memorial service may be moved to the Warren FOP Hall if there is inclement weather.

A memorial donation account has been set up in lieu of flowers. Donations can be sent to the Richard C. Heins Memorial K9 Fund, 1433 Lochridge, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. 48302. Funds will be used for Sterling Heights K9 Unit training needs and care of K9s on the force or retired. For additional information, please contact the MAP office at (248) 509-7158.