Michael L. Heffner began his career in the fire service with the United States Air Force as a firefighter at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. Following his service at Edwards, Michael was hired on as a firefighter with the Kern County Fire Department, where he worked his way up to battalion chief and earned many awards and recognitions for his hard work along the way. After 28 years with the department, Michael retired in December 2013. Michael was well known for being very straightforward and caring for those working with him, as well as the community he served for the majority of his career. He is survived by his sons, Dustin and Zachary, his wife, Janie, his father, Dave, and his siblings, Russ and Julie.