Michael Heffner pinned and sworn in as Kennewick Fire Chief

Michael Heffner was formally pinned and sworn in as fire chief during the Kennewick City Council meeting on Oct. 21.

Mayor Pro Tem Torelli and the city clerk administered the oath of office while family and department personnel attended a pinning ceremony that city staff described as a longstanding fire-service tradition marking leadership transitions. The city noted Heffner’s career began in 1998 and listed roles including firefighter, paramedic, deputy chief and positions with the state fire marshal’s office. Heffner holds a master’s degree in emergency services administration from California State University, Long Beach, and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The city clerk led the oath; Heffner repeated the pledge to “support the Constitution of the United States, and the constitution and laws of the state of Washington, and all Kennewick ordinances” and to “faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of fire chief for the City of Kennewick to the best of my ability.”

“Very humbling to see everybody here and just very thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and serve all the firefighters that we have here,” Heffner said after taking the oath, thanking firefighters and their families for their support.

The ceremony followed remarks highlighting Heffner’s experience, including prior work as deputy chief of support services and service as an elected fire district board director. The pinning and oath make his appointment formal; the council did not record a separate vote at this meeting for the promotion.