A Lewisville firefighter and father of three young children was killed in a motorcycle crash in Fort Worth on Thursday night. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, the Lewisville Fire Department said one of their own, Michael Swope, died in the crash while off duty. According to the departmen t, Swope had served the city since 2019. “Beyond his roles as a Paramedic and a Field Training Officer (FTO), he was a pillar of professionalism and a kind soul to all who knew him,” the post read. “More importantly, Michael was a follower of Christ who loved the lord, a devoted caring husband and a father to three beautiful children. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.” Michael Swope and his family. (Courtesy: Lewisville Fire Department) According to the Fort Worth Police Department, on Thursday night, officers responded to reports of a man in the road at 100 Camp Bowie eastbound, entering I-30 eastbound. Officers said a motorcyclist, later identified by Lewisville FD as Michael Swope, was heading eastbound when he hit a guard rail and was thrown off his bike. Fort Worth Police said Swope died of his injuries and that their Traffic Investigation Unit was notified for further investigation. The Lewisville Fire Department has started a fundraiser for Swope’s family. Lewisville’s police department also posted a tribute to social media, saying Swope was “deeply respected.” “Michael was a deeply respected and beloved member of the Lewisville Fire Department, known for his candor, grit, and unwavering perseverance in service to others. His legacy lives on through his loving wife and their three children, and through the countless lives he touched alongside the men and women he served with every day,” the post read. Photo courtesy: Lewisville Fire Department The Lewisville Fire Fighters Association honored Swope in a Facebook post, saying in part: “He was known for his great sense of humor and the way he could instantly lift the mood with his laugh. More than that, Michael always looked out for his fellow firefighters and made sure everyone around him was taken care of. At home, Michael was a loving husband who cherished his wife and a devoted father who took immense pride in his children. His family was his foundation, and his love for them drove everything he did.” ...read more read less