A memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Michael Arthur Shepard will take place at the Real Life Church in Valencia on Friday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Shepard died Jan. 23 when his Jeep collided with a Caltrans work truck on Highway 14 between the Sierra Highway and Sand Canyon Road exits. Off-duty at the time, the Agua Dulce resident was stationed at Fire Station 132 on Sand Canyon Road.

Born Feb. 28, 1955, Shepard joined the LACoFD as a firefighter in 2006 and steadily rose through the ranks. He is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren, according to the department. Shepard loved his family, fishing, running, hiking, traveling and working on cars.

Shepard’s wife, Cathy, thanked all of those who have reached out to her and her family in a statement released Jan. 24: “Mike was a dedicated husband, father and fire captain. He was the source of love, comfort, protection and joy to the entire family. It is with grieving hearts that we have lost him, but we are forever grateful for each minute we spent with him.”

Real Life Church | Photo by Stephen K. Peeples