‘A true hero’: Memorial services honor South Jordan firefighter Corban Summers
Apr 27, 2025, 12:00 PM
A firefighter presents the flag from the casket to the wife of the late South Jordan firefighter Corban Summers, Kim Summers, during a funeral service for Corban Summers at Hunter High School in West Valley City on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Brice Tucker, Deseret News)
(Brice Tucker, Deseret News)
WEST VALLEY — South Jordan Firefighter Corban Summers was laid to rest Saturday after passing away unexpectedly while on duty earlier this week.
Corban Summers, 49, was found unresponsive in his dorm room at Fire Station 61 on April 21. Fellow crew members attempted lifesaving measures, but Summers was later pronounced dead at Jordan Valley Hospital. Officials believe he suffered a medical episode, though the exact cause has not been determined.
Family, friends and members of the fire community gathered at Hunter High School in West Valleyto pay their respects to the fallen firefighter.
“He wasn’t perfect, like all good heroes, and it allowed him to have tremendous empathy,” Las Vegas Fire Department Capt. Ben Penick said. “You’d be in a hole, and he would get down in the hole with you, before gently pulling you out.”
Summers, a 23-year veteran of the South Jordan Fire Department, was described as selfless, funny and compassionate. He was a father of four and recently married Kim Summers on Feb. 25, 2025.
“Corban was genuinely one of the best people that I have ever known,” South Jordan Fire Department Battalion Chief Clayton Miller said. “He exemplified what customer service should look like in the fire service.”
“He was a true hero, not just because of the uniform he wore but because of the love he gave, the bravery he displayed, and the kindness he extended to all,” South Jordan Fire Department Capt. Todd Cowley said. “Corban, thank you for being my friend, my advocate, and my sounding board for all these years. I love you and I’ll miss you so much.”
Loved ones fondly recalled stories of Summers, noting he was an avid prankster who also enjoyed the outdoors and was a talented karaoke star.
“I’m so thankful that he filled my heart, all of our hearts, with singing, with joy,” his sister, Danica Summers Nebeker, said. “He wouldn’t want us to be hanging our heads low, missing him. He would want us to fill our lives with adventure and fun.”
After a ceremonial bell ringing came one final dispatch call to indicate Summers’ completion of duty — honoring a life of service and sacrifice.
“I know you’ll be our guardian angel and always watching out,” Penick said. “Fly high, brother. I love you, Corban.”
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