Hays, Kansas | September 29, 2025 — The Hays community and law enforcement officers across the state are grappling with profound grief after the tragic death of Sergeant Scott Heimann, a respected member of the Hays Police Department, who was killed over the weekend while responding to a domestic violence call.
Authorities say what began as a routine call for service — a type of situation police respond to daily in their efforts to protect victims and keep communities safe — quickly escalated into a life-threatening confrontation. Despite his training, experience, and dedication to duty, Sgt. Heimann was fatally injured while attempting to ensure the safety of others.
A Career of Dedication and Service
Sgt. Heimann was known throughout Ellis County and beyond as a dedicated officer who put others before himself. Having served with the Hays Police Department for years, he rose to the rank of sergeant through hard work, professionalism, and a reputation for mentoring younger officers. Colleagues describe him as someone who led by example — steady under pressure, compassionate with victims, and relentless in his pursuit of justice.
“Scott embodied everything we value in a police officer,” said Chief of Police Don Scheibler in a statement released Sunday. “He was not only a protector but also a friend, a mentor, and a servant to the community. His loss is immeasurable, not just for his family and our department, but for the entire city of Hays.”
Shockwaves Through the Community
The tragedy has left the Hays community reeling. Flags across city buildings are being flown at half-staff, and memorials have begun to form outside the Hays Police Department headquarters, with residents leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes of gratitude.
Longtime residents say Sgt. Heimann was more than just a police officer — he was a familiar face at community events, youth programs, and local fundraisers. “He didn’t just wear the badge, he lived it,” said one resident. “He cared about people, he cared about this town. It’s hard to imagine Hays without him.”
Support From Across the State
Law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas and neighboring states have extended condolences, with many departments sending officers to Hays to assist and stand alongside their grieving colleagues. The Kansas Highway Patrol and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office are among the agencies providing support, ensuring that both the community and the officers who served with Sgt. Heimann have the resources they need during this devastating time.
Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement expressing her condolences:
“Our hearts are with the family of Sergeant Heimann, the Hays Police Department, and the entire Hays community. His sacrifice is a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day while protecting others. We honor his service and his memory.”
Remembering a Life of Service
Sgt. Heimann leaves behind not only his fellow officers but also his family, who are now facing the unimaginable task of moving forward without him. Friends describe him as a devoted husband and father who balanced the rigors of police work with a deep love for his family life.
The Hays Police Department has announced that funeral arrangements are pending and will be shared with the public once finalized. A candlelight vigil is expected to take place later this week, giving residents the opportunity to gather, reflect, and honor the life of a man who gave everything to protect his community.
A Lasting Legacy
While the pain of his loss is raw, many in Hays are vowing to carry forward Sgt. Heimann’s legacy of service and compassion. “Scott will always be remembered not for how his life ended, but for how he lived it,” said Chief Scheibler. “He made this community safer, stronger, and better — and that is a legacy that will never be forgotten.”
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community of Hays stands united in grief, honoring one of their own who paid the ultimate price while doing what he loved most: protecting and serving others.