The Los Angeles County Fire Department “family” is mourning the loss of Fire Captain Michael Shepard, who died in a car crash on the 14 Freeway Wednesday.

Captain Shepard joined the department as a firefighter in 2006, and was most recently stationed at LA County Fire Station 132 on Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita.

He leaves behind his wife, four sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren. He loved his family, fishing, running, hiking, traveling and working on cars, according to LA County Fire officials.

Shepard’s wife, Cathy, shared she is thankful to those who have reached out to her and her family.

“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,” she said.

See Related: LA County Fire Captain Identified As Victim In Fatal 14 Freeway Crash

The LA County Fire captain was killed on Jan. 23 on the 14 Freeway near Sand Canyon Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Shepard’s Jeep collided with a Caltrans GMC 3500, which was part of a sweeper detail, driving within the northbound center median, according to CHP Officer Josh Greengard.

The driver of the Caltrans vehicle sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Greengard said.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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