ABOUT ROBERT STERLING HECKER
Robert Sterling Hecker began his career in law enforcement with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). During his twenty-eight years with the NOPD, Chief Hecker was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including three Keys to the City and Supervisor of the Year. Chief Hecker rose to the rank of captain and served as district commander before retiring from the NOPD. He is currently the police chief for the Harbor Police Department - Port of New Orleans.
Because of his experience pertaining to port security, Chief Hecker has represented the Port of New Orleans on Hardball with Chris Matthews and ABC World News Tonight, and has also provided testimony to the congressional subcommittee on port security.
For his heroic efforts during the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, Chief Hecker was recognized as follows:
“New Orleanian of the Year” by Gambit Weekly.
“Supervisor of the Year” by the Victims and Citizens Against Crime Organization
“Hero of the Storm” by Southern Women’s Magazine
“Hero of the Storm” by the WDSU television station
“Meritorious Service” by the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission
“Outstanding Service” by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
“International Police 9/11 Medal for Port Security” by the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police
“National Service” by the New Orleans Ready Community Partnership.
Chief Hecker prepared a video presentation describing the events throughout the Katrina Disaster, including “Lessons Learned—the Katrina Disaster.” This presentation has been given to civic groups, police departments, international visitors, the Harvard Law School and various organizations across the country.
He is a member of the American Association of Port Authorities Security Committee, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police, the Area Maritime Security Committee, the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
He has added novelist to his list of achievements. The Accidental Vigilante is his debut novel.
