Hefferon named deputy commander of Niagara Falls-based 107th Attack Wing

New York Air National Guard Col. Steven Hefferon, a Wilson resident, has been named deputy commander of the 107th Attack Wing, which is based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Hefferon replaces Col. John O'Connor, who left the position to assume command of the Air Guard's 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse.

"I am truly humbled and thrilled to take on the position of deputy wing commander for the 107th Attack Wing,” Hefferon said.

"I benefitted tremendously from countless supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates from the time I was an airmen basic, and they all shaped who I am, and they made this dream a reality," he said.

As deputy wing commander, Hefferon assists Col. Andrew Carlson, the wing's commander.

Carlson praised Hefferon as the right officer for the job.

"He has played an integral role in leading the Wing through multiple domestic operations to include the joint task force commander during the November 2022 storm," Carlson said. "Col. Hefferon's relationships between NYS Joint Force Headquarters and National Guard Bureau will continue to pay dividends to the wing."

Hefferon joined the Air Force in September of 1986 as an enlisted aircraft maintenance communications specialist. He transferred to the New York Air National Guard in 1988. He was commissioned as an officer in 1994.

His assignments have included supply officer, chief of supply, commander of the 107th Logistics Readiness Squadron, wing comptroller, and the deputy commander and then the commander of the 107th Mission Support Group.

In 2009, he deployed to the Netherlands as chief of operations for the International Security Assistance Force, Allied Movement Coordination Center, in support of operations in Afghanistan. He also forward deployed to Afghanistan as part of the mission.

Hefferon graduated with honors from the State University of New York, Cortland, and is a graduate of the Air War College and the National Security Management Course at Syracuse University.

His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.