After serving nine years as an Explorer Scout and volunteer firefighter, Michael Heffner began his firefighting career in 1998 as a firefighter / training coordinator with the City of Cornelius (OR) Fire Department. In 2001, he joined the City of Salem (OR) Fire Department where he served in a number of roles, including firefighter/paramedic, HazMat technician, EMS Coordinator, Fire Captain, and interim Deputy Chief of Training and EMS. In 2016, Michael joined the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal as an Assistant Chief Deputy where he oversaw a number of emergency planning, response coordination, training, safety, and logistics programs.

Proudly joining the Kennewick Fire Department in 2021, Michael serves as Deputy Chief of Safety and Support Services. In this role he oversees the training division, fire prevention division, safety, and logistics.

Deputy Chief Heffner possesses a master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach and is currently enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.