California fire chief, 43, dies 'suddenly', leaving wife and two sons behind

A northern California fire chief has died 'unexpectedly' at his home, leaving behind a wife and two sons. 

Rancho Adobe Fire District Captain Kyle Heard, 43, passed away on Friday night after suffering a medical emergency at his Santa Rosa Home, his department said. 

'Kyle wasn’t only a Firefighter, he was a devoted father, an incredible husband, and great friend,' the force said in a statement. 

Rancho Adobe Fire District Captain Kyle Heard, 43, passed away on Friday night after suffering a medical emergency at his Santa Rosa Home, his department said

'The loss is heartbreaking and has been heavy for our fire family community within Sonoma County. 

'Captain Heard leaves behind two sons and a Wife. Please keep Heard’s family and friends in your thoughts.'  

Heard's friends remembered him as 'not only a hero in his professional life but also in his role as a husband and father' in a GoFundMe for his wife Rachael, and their sons, Logan and Parker. 

'Kyle’s sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him,' they said on the fundraising page. 

Heard's friends remembered him as 'not only a hero in his professional life but also in his role as a husband and father' in a GoFundMe for his wife Rachael, and their sons, Logan and Parker

Rancho Adobe Fire District Captain Kyle Heard, 43, passed away on Friday night after suffering a medical emergency at his Santa Rosa Home, his department said

Heard joined the Rancho Adobe district in 2003 as a volunteer, and was promoted to a full-time engineer in 2013. 

Last year, he was promoted to the role of captain.