Coral Springs Police Sergeant Honored For His Service During MSD Tragedy

CORAL SPRINGS, FL – A Coral Springs sergeant was honored this week as Law Enforcement Officer of the Day by the Florida House of Representatives for his service during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy.

Jeff Heinrich, who supervises the Coral Springs Police Department’s K-9 unit, got praised Thursday for helping a wounded student and then searching the school for the gunman who killed 17 students and staff members and wounded 17 others on Feb. 14, 2018.

He was off-duty preparing a field for the school’s baseball team when he heard the gunshots and ran to the school dressed in a T-shirt and shorts.

“Sergeant, words cannot express our gratitude that you had shown on that day, with those kids and through the course of your career,” House Speaker Chris Sprowls said to Heinrich as he stood on the House floor.

Sprowls added: “We’re proud of you, we are grateful for your service. Welcome to the Florida House.”

It wasn’t the first time Heinrich had been in a tense school situation.

The 25-year veteran of the Coral Springs police force is credited with preventing a possible shooting at Coral Springs High School in 2016 when he stopped a student with a gun.

On Thursday, Heinrich was recognized for the honor by Rep. Dan Daley, who represents Coral Springs.

“It was nice of Representative Daley to think of me,” Heinrich said. “But I’m not about getting awards. There were many heroes that day.”

Heinrich stayed on the House floor for another hour to listen to debate on three pending bills.

For him, being recognized by the legislators was part of a broader message intended for all police officers.

“They pledged their support for law enforcement,” Heinrich said.