Tom L. Heggy

Tom L.V. Heggy was born in Stafford, Kansas on June 4, 1931 to Dorothy and Roy Heggy. He grew up on a Kansas farm and served in the U.S. Army until 1953. Tom selected a career in law enforcement and joined the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1960, where he initially worked as an undercover Vice Officer. After spending one year in the patrol division, Tom was transferred to the records bureau and later to the Department's first criminal intelligence unit. In 1967, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1972, he rose to Major in command of the Detective Division. In 1970, Tom graduated from the FBI National Academy. Following his promotion to Assistant Chief of Operations in April 1974, Tom was named Chief of Police of the Oklahoma City Police Department, serving in that position until his retirement from the force in 1982. Upon completion of his tenure as Chief, Tom was asked by then Governor George Nigh to be the interim director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and in 1984 he was named the Agency's Director. Tom held five degrees, including Bachelor degrees in Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science from the University of Oklahoma, and Master's degrees in Teaching and Criminal Justice Administration from Oklahoma City University. Tom had a passion for teaching. He served as an instructor at various FBI schools, at Oklahoma State University Technical Institute and at Oklahoma City University, and was instrumental in developing OCU's law enforcement education curriculum. Tom served as OCU's Dean of Students and as an Associate Professor from 1988-2002. He also served on the faculty at the University of Oklahoma and Central State University in Edmond. He enjoyed serving as a guest lecturer across the United States, Great Britain (including Scotland Yard), Munich, Bonn and Weisbaden Germany to name a few. Honors and Awards included the Symbol of Freedom by Oklahoma Christian College, Keys to the Cities of Oklahoma City, Edmond and Sulphur, Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award, Outstanding Police Officer Award, Public Administrator of the Year, Exceptional Service Award from OU and Awards from Weisbaden and Bonn Germany; Scotland Yard; and Branshill, England for Management presentations. Tom is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children; Rodney Heggy (Suzanne), Jon Heggy and Katrina Nash (Rick). He is survived by five grandchildren; Stephen Heggy, Matthew Heggy, Kaitlin Heggy, Zach Roberts (Sheila) and Gideon Heggy along with four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters; Bonnie Baker (Dick), Maxine Cooper (Jack) and Zumla Taiaroa. Tom touched many lives through his leadership, passion for education and his willingness to mentor those who sought his assistance. He has left his mark on this earth and will be truly missed. He is greatly loved by his family, students, fellow educators and the law enforcement community. A Memorial Service will be held on August 27, 2011 at Oklahoma City University 10:30 a.m. in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the Tom Heggy Memorial Scholarship established to assist law enforcement employees and their families. Please make your check payable to OCU and mail to the OCU Office of Advancement, 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493. For questions, call the OCU Office of Advancement at (405) 208-7000.