Craig Allen Heber

July 9, 1962 – July 21, 2010

Craig Allen Heber was born in South Bend, Indiana. Craig recognized his commitment to helping others shortly after graduating from Oviedo High School. After attending Seminole Community College, he began working for the Winter Springs Fire Department as Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician in July 1980. Craig continued his education at Seminole Community College and graduated from the Police Academy. In May 1982, he began working as a Patrol Officer with Winter Springs, where he was promoted to Detective.

In January 1988, Craig was hired by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Lawson Lamar. Working in Sector II, he was recognized as a leader on his squad and was well respected by his fellow deputies. As a Field Training Officer, many young deputies looked up to him. A supervisor noted on his evaluation “I have no worries of the Squad when Craig has control of it.” While in patrol, Craig cross trained with the Marine Unit, eventually transferring in August 1994.   In Marine, he was recognized for team work and his excellent skills in marine accident investigation. He was a member of the Dive Team. He was continually looking for ways to learn and improve himself, cross training as a Flight Observer in Aviation.

From Airboats to Aircraft, in August 2000, he transferred to the Aviation Unit. He was first assigned as a Flight Observer and then obtained his commercial pilot’s license in August 2002. Continuing his training, he was an accomplished pilot in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.  He was known for his willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done. In October 2005, he was promoted to Deputy First Class and was appointed to Master Deputy in December 2009. Craig was a member of the United States Navy Reserves and was called to active duty in Operations Nobel Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom.

His love of flying was surpassed only by his love and dedication to his wife Cheryl and children, Benjamin, Sarah and Melissa.

He will be missed by the many friends and coworkers he touched during his over 22 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Orange County and the agency he so proudly served, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. His personnel file is filled with many, many letters of appreciation from citizens he assisted and recognition of his outstanding level of professionalism as a Law Enforcement Officer.

He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, son Benjamin, daughters Sarah and Melissa.