Chief Heaton grew up in Ozark, Missouri, and graduated from Ozark High School in 2001. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army and Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer and Military Police Investigator. His military career included deployments to Afghanistan in 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq in 2009 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also participated in multiple stateside missions, including deployment to Louisiana during Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

Upon returning to Ozark, Chief Heaton worked for the Christian County Sheriff’s Office while serving as a reserve firefighter with the Ozark Fire Protection District. In 2007, he joined the district’s full-time staff as a Firefighter. Over the years, he has advanced through the ranks, holding positions such as Engineer, Captain, and Battalion Chief. As an Assistant Chief, he currently leads the professional development program, which includes training, hiring, promotions, development, and compliance for all personnel. Additionally, he is responsible for the health and safety program, special operations, and fire investigations. He assists with special building projects and serves as an on-call duty chief to respond to emergency incidents.

Since 2015, Chief Heaton has also served as a Police Officer for the City of Sparta, Missouri.

Chief Heaton attended Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina, and holds an associate degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, where he is also pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration. He is active in the community serving as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7628 and has served as President of the Ozark Optimist Club. He has also coached youth baseball, football, and wrestling.

Aaron is married to his high school sweetheart, and they have three children