Jasper County Sheriff’s Office K9 Deputy Heather Betz was born in Ohio and grew up across several states. Her difficult childhood shaped her resilience and compassion. From a young age, she found solace and joy in sports, music, and the outdoors—singing in the choir, playing instruments, and participating in Police Explorers and Civil Air Patrol from age 12 to 17. Her foster father, a K9 officer, inspired her early dream of becoming a police officer—a dream rooted in a deep desire to protect children and victims of abuse.
Heather’s law enforcement career began in 2003 and spanned over 16 years, serving in multiple departments including the Geauga Lake Amusement Park Police Department, Cuyahoga County School District Police Department, Bedford Heights Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. She held titles ranging from Patrolman to Lieutenant, Corporal, and K9 Deputy. Her dedication earned her numerous accolades, including the Top Cop DUI award four years in a row. She especially cherished her time as a K9 Deputy and working with children, always striving to make a meaningful difference.
In 2007, Heather met her husband, Chuck Betz, while both were serving as officers at Geauga Lake. Their bond quickly deepened, and they married that October. Chuck, a retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and former Parris Island Drill Instructor, has been Heather’s unwavering support through every challenge, especially following the life-altering events of Thanksgiving 2018.
That day, Heather responded to a domestic disturbance and active shooter call. In the line of duty, she was shot in the face, sustaining catastrophic injuries including blindness in her right eye, traumatic brain injury, and severe damage to her ankle and tendons. She also suffered a stroke and developed debilitating autoimmune disorders. Her recovery has been grueling—marked by multiple surgeries, years of therapy, and ongoing battles with PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. Yet through it all, Heather has remained fiercely determined to live, heal, and serve.
Despite her injuries, Heather continues to be a vibrant force in her community. She plays golf and pickleball, bowls, and fishes when able. She finds joy in cooking, crafting, embroidery, and sewing. She serves as Quartermaster and Social Chairperson of the Brevard County Marine Corps League Detachment 513, Merchandising Corporal for the Brevard Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, and teaches bagpipes to students free of charge. She’s also the former Social Committee Chairperson at Bridgewater, current President of the Women of WELS at New Hope Lutheran Church, a choir member, and an active participant in the Brevard County 10-13 Retired Police Club. For the past two years, she’s helped lead Brevard’s Shop with a Cop event, bringing holiday cheer to local children.
Heather’s journey has been marked by unimaginable pain and profound perseverance. Her husband Chuck and stepson Allan have been her pillars of strength, helping her navigate daily challenges with love and patience. With the support of Tunnel to Towers, Heather now has a home that accommodates her needs and alleviates financial burdens—allowing Chuck to retire and both to focus on healing and enjoying life together.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office K9 Deputy Heather Betz doesn’t see herself as a hero, but her story is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. She urges others to never give up, to ask for help, and to believe in their worth. “God clearly has another purpose for me,” she says. “To God be the glory.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided Jasper County Sheriff’s Office K9 Deputy Heather Betz with a mortgage-free smart home through the Smart Home Program.