The department mourns the loss of Michael Swope, who died in an off-duty motorcycle accident, leaving behind his wife and three children.
LEWISVILLE, Texas — The Lewisville Fire Department announced Friday its mourning the loss of one of its own, following an off-duty motorcycle accident.
The single motorcycle crash happened Thursday evening near an entrance ramp on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, which was not too far from his home, according to Lewisville Fire Chief Mark McNeal.
“It leaves a hole that everybody feels it,” Chief McNeal said.
Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Swope had served the City of Lewisville since January 2019. During his tenure, he worked as a paramedic and Field Training Officer, roles in which he was known for his professionalism, mentorship and kindness, the department said in a tribute posted to Facebook.
In a statement, Lewisville FD described Swope as a dedicated public servant, a trusted mentor and a friend to many within the fire service. Colleagues also highlighted his faith and devotion to his family.
“You can replace a position. You can’t replace the person and the personality that was here. He was a good man, he had a good heart, good father, good husband, always had that smile,” Chief McNeal said.
Swope is survived by his wife and three children.
“The outpouring of support from the community has meant more to us than we can express. My husband lived his faith, loved his family deeply, and found purpose in serving others as a firefighter. We respectfully request privacy as our family grieves,” Swope’s wife said in a statement to WFAA.
In response to inquiries about how to help, a donation page has been established through the Lewisville Fire Fighters Foundation. Funds raised will go directly to support Swope’s wife and children.
“Rest easy, brother. We have the watch from here,” the department said.