Casnovia Township, MI – June 24, 2025 — The Casnovia Township Fire Department and the broader emergency services community are reeling from the heartbreaking news of the death of Deputy Fire Chief Sam Deems, who was tragically killed in a car accident early Tuesday morning. He was just 25 years old.
The crash, which occurred in the early hours of June 24, marks a profound loss not only for Deems’ family and friends, but also for the department and the community he served so faithfully.
Firefighter Sam Deems was more than a first responder—he was a devoted public servant, a beacon of compassion, and a deeply committed leader. Known for his tireless dedication, his unwavering faith, and his infectious love for life, Deems had already become a beloved figure within the Casnovia Township Fire Department and beyond.
“This is a devastating loss,” the department said in an emotional statement Tuesday. “Sam was a firefighter like no other. He served with passion, heart, and an unwavering commitment to this community. There will forever be a hole in our hearts and in our department.”
Deems’ life was centered on service—to his department, his faith, and his loved ones. In addition to his leadership role with the fire department, he was a member of the Rockford EMS family, where colleagues remember him as a calm, capable presence during emergencies and a deeply loyal friend away from the chaos.
“Sam loved life. He loved his family. He loved his fire department family. He loved his EMS family. And most of all, he loved the Lord,” read part of the department’s tribute. His loss is being felt not only in Casnovia Township but throughout the wider emergency response community in Michigan and across the Midwest.
The B-Side FOOLS, a nonprofit firefighter brotherhood organization, also issued a heartfelt message on Facebook:
“Please pray for the Deems family as Sam passed this morning in an automobile accident. Our hearts go out to Casnovia Fire and Rockford EMS for the loss of their brother, friend, and colleague.”
The details surrounding the crash are still under investigation. Authorities have not released specifics, but the incident has left the small, tight-knit township in mourning.
As the community begins to process this overwhelming loss, efforts are being made to support Sam’s wife and family. The fire department is encouraging the public to keep the Deems family in their thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.
Deputy Chief Sam Deems is being remembered not just as a brave firefighter, but as a man of integrity, deep faith, and boundless generosity—a man who gave his all, both in service and in spirit.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, flags at the fire station have been lowered to half-staff, and black mourning bands have been placed over badges as firefighters across the region honor a fallen hero.
Sam Deems’ legacy of service, faith, and love will live on in the countless lives he touched—and in the hearts of those who now grieve the loss of a true brother.