Lane County Sheriff's Office, Oregon
End of Watch: Saturday, March 23, 1957
Age:
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 22, 1957
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Paroled after 9 years
Deputy Sheriff David Hefner was shot and wounded while investigating a domestic violence call.
One year earlier, Deputy Hefner had responded to a complaint at the same address and had taken a weapon from the same suspect who had at that time threatened to kill Deputy Hefner.
When Deputy Hefner responded on February 22, 1957 he was shot as he approached the house. He was struck in the neck with a 32-20 Winchester rifle and was paralyzed. Deputy Hefner died of his wound one month later.
The suspect was sentenced to life for the murder of Trooper Charles Sanders, who was shot after he arrived on the scene to assist Deputy Hefner. The suspect was also sentenced to 25 years for the assault on Deputy Hefner. However, he was paroled after 9 years.
Deputy Hefner, a WWII veteran, was survived by his wife and five children.