Craig Heber Memorial Flyover Presented by WFTV

Craig Heber served as a pilot for the Orange County Sheriff Aviation Unit. Heber also worked as a fill in pilot for WFTV Television flying Channel Nine's Skywitness Helicopter.

WFTV presents this video tribute to Craig in recognition of his 22 years of professional service to Central Florida.

Orange County Sheriff Obituary:

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.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Craig
• Heber
• Skywitness
• Orlando
• Orange
• County
• Sheriff

[figment18]

Hey Craig...just wanted to say hi. I wish you could have been there in person to watch me marry your daughter. I know you were there in person as we had the most beautiful flyover. I will always be your son and law and we will never forget you. I wish we could fly together one more time. Have a corona for me. Love you. Bruce

[TheAirbear2]

I only met Craig once when visiting the the OC Aviation Unit. He was very friendly and made me feel welcomed. When I spoke with other aviation unit members they had a very high regard for him. This tribute to him was well deserved. Rest in peace my brother, we have your six o'clock.

[Nimbus2004]

So fitting to have that tribute from the sky. It is an honor to have flown with Craig.

[pigetail]

This was by far the most touching memorial that I have ever seen.

[lillylegg1]

As a proud father of an orange county deputy I can somewhat be at ease Knowing we have another angel looking over our loved ones who serve the needs of our community Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Herber

God Bless each and all of you

George&kathy

[mikeyman8987]

wow, a very nice presentation. You have touch so many lives, including mine. Rest peacefully and watch over us as you have done for so many years.

Michael

[polyplaner]

Great job on documenting the ceremony and posting it for us all. Thank you.

[sandscott05]

WOW.. this is amazaing, it was nice of the SO to give Graig a full LEO service..

[jw656565]

What a wonderful tribute! Thank you skirack9! Craig was one of a kind and a very loving person!

[Gosha10151]

Very sorry for your loss a beautiful video.. We send our prayers to your family. The Gosha Family from Longwood, Fl.