Bill Heffernan

Representative Bill Heffernan is a first-term state representative, winning a special election on January 23, 2024. Representative Heffernan will serve on the Commerce, Human Services, and Veterans' Committees.

Representative Heffernan attended West Haven Schools, graduating from West Haven High School in 1981 and the University of New Haven in 1999 with an Associate of Science in Fire and Occupational Safety.

He owned and operated Alpha Carpet from 1990 to 2015 and Johnny's Grille (owner/partner) in West Haven from 2004-2019 (and permittee from 2010-2019). He was a career firefighter in the West Haven Fire Department and one of the first responders at Ground Zero in New York City in September 2001. Retiring after 28 years at the rank of Lieutenant, he now serves as Department Historian, an honor bestowed in January 2023. He also serves as a consulting producer on the TV series "Tacoma FD," which can be found on Netflix.

Representative Heffernan is civically minded, having been involved in public service for all of his adult life. He was named West Haven Elks Firefighter of the Year in 1998 and received the CT Secretary of State Public Service Award in 2004. Among the many organizations he belongs to are: West Haven Hook and Ladder, West Haven Elks, West Haven Professional Firefighters Local 1198, West Haven Firemen’s Benevolent Association, CT Fire Department Instructors Association, and New Haven County Emerald Society. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the West Haven Community House, president of the Village Improvement Association, founder and president/historian of the West Haven Fire Department Historical Library, vice president of the West Haven Historical Society, and treasurer of the Friends of West Haven Library.

Representative Heffernan and his wife Anne have two grown children, Anita and William, and two young grandchildren.