South Jordan firefighter who died while on duty remembered as hero

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) — A South Jordan firefighter has died after he was found unresponsive while on duty Monday afternoon. He’s now being remembered as a hero.

Officials said Corban Summers was found “unresponsive in his room” at Fire Station 61 on S. Redwood Road just after 2 p.m. on April 21. The

South Jordan Fire Department said crew members “immediately initiated life-saving measures and then requested support from nearby stations.”

Summers was taken to Jordan Valley Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to a press release. His identity was not released until Tuesday out of respect for his family.

Summers was a part of the South Jordan Fire Department for 23 years, and also spent time in West Jordan, Bluffdale, and Saratoga Springs.

On April 22, South Jordan Fire Chief Chris Dawson fondly spoke about Summers, calling him “a great man and great firefighter.” Dawson recalled a situation from 2015, where Summers administered CPR to a citizen while off-duty.

“I don’t know a firefighter better than Corban that would just jump in and help his brother, sister, or anybody else in need,” Dawson said.

Preparations are underway for a memorial service for Summers. Additional details regarding the incident will be released when they become available.

South Jordan officials react to Summers’ death

“Our hearts go out to his family, his loved ones, his cohorts, and everybody throughout the fire service,” Chief Dawson said Tuesday. “Everybody has really been feeling this, and we appreciate the outpouring of support and kindness that has been given us thus far.”

The fire chief expressed appreciation to the fire departments who stepped in to help “cover our city” as South Jordan fire officials handled Summers’ death.

“We’re heartbroken,” South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey said Tuesday. “We send our love and our condolences and our appreciation to his family.”

Summers got married in February and is survived by his four adult children. Dawson said Summers will be missed by his brothers in the firefighter community.

Community reacts to Summers’ death

Johnny Riche, a South Jordan man who knew Summers for 25 years, described him as a “jokester” and “happy-go-lucky” man.

“He was the guy that when he came into a room he would light it up with his humor. On your darkest day, he could make you laugh,” Riche told ABC4.com.

Riche said Summers was a great husband, father, and friend, adding that he was the kind of person who “would give you the shirt off their back.”

“He loved being a fireman. The guy loved being a hero, and Corban really was a hero. He was just a fantastic guy that we’re going to miss greatly,” Riche said.

Other fire departments react to Summers’ death

Other Utah fire departments joined in offering condolences and prayers for Summers’ family and firefighter colleagues.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and South Jordan Fire Department. May they find peace and comfort during this time,” the West Jordan Fire Department said on social media Monday night.

“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the South Jordan Fire Department during this time,” Hurricane Valley Fire & Rescue said on social media.

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