The Lewisville community is mourning the death of firefighter Michael Swope, who was killed Thursday night in an off‑duty motorcycle crash in Fort Worth. He was 40.

Firefighters are grieving a deep loss

At Lewisville Fire Station 2, where Swope spent much of his career, colleagues said the loss feels personal.

"He made an impact on just about everyone. If you knew him, you knew how smart he was – especially on the paramedic side of things. He just loved medicine," firefighter Noah Shroud said.

Swope died in a single‑motorcycle crash near Camp Bowie and I‑30, just minutes from his home.

"It doesn't quite feel real. I think a lot of it is shock… you don't want to accept it yet," Shroud said.

A career built on service

Swope served Lewisville for seven years and previously worked in Cedar Hill. His coworkers said they will miss his experience and his humor.

"He could turn anything you said into something hysterical.... You'd say 'good morning,' he'd take a sip of coffee — and the first thing out of his mouth was a zing," one firefighter said.

Swope was known for taking on multiple roles – diver, paramedic, CareFlite medic, and field training officer – positions that allowed him to save lives and teach others to do the same.

"You can't really put a number on the thousands of calls – the people he helped here, and the people he trained who went on to help others," Shroud said.

A family and department in mourning

Swope leaves behind his wife and three young children, ages 6, 3, and 22 months.

"You can't replace the person, and you can't replace that personality. Michael was a good man. He had a good heart," Lewisville Fire Chief Mark McNeal said.

McNeal said Swope is the fourth firefighter the department has lost unexpectedly in the past five years.

"It leaves a hole – and everybody feels it. But people are stepping up and doing amazing things for this family," he said.

Loss felt days before Christmas

Investigators have not released the cause of the crash.

With Christmas approaching, firefighters said the timing has made the loss even more painful.

"We're still in shock… so we're holding onto the laughter – and the good times," Shroud said.