An announcement was made online Friday by his employer, the Gilbert (Arizona) Fire Department.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Joey Counts, a dedicated officer with the Gilbert Fire Department, who tragically passed away in Chandler, Arizona. Joey’s untimely death leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues and the entire community he so selflessly served. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, his contributions to the community and the unwavering dedication he has throughout his career. shown.

No cause of death was given.

Griz football fans will likely never forget Counts’ short TD burst with two seconds left in a late August 2015 game against then four-time defending champion NDSU. Montana upset the top-ranked Carson-Wentz-led Bison, 38-35, under smoky skies in the game televised on ESPN.

It was the moment of a lifetime for Counts, who missed all of 2014 with a foot injury and also missed much of fall camp in 2015.

“I can’t believe it,” Counts, a locker room favorite for his boisterous attitude, said after the game. “There is a lot of heart and determination in this team and it was calm; everyone knew what they had to do.

“We all thought they were going to squeeze pretty hard. I just saw some light and grabbed it.”

Counts was on Montana’s roster from 2012 through 2016. His employer made it clear on Friday what he meant to colleagues and his community in his professional life.

“Joey’s career as a firefighter and officer with the Gilbert Fire Department was defined by his dedication to serving the people of his community. He wasn’t just a firefighter; he was a true hero. Joey ran into danger when others ran, and his courage in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him. Whether responding to fires, medical emergencies or other crises, Joey remained calm, focused and compassionate in his work.

To read a tribute to Counts from his employer, log on to: memorialeditorial.cfd/death-joey-counts-obituary-chandler-az-gilbert-fire-department-officer-is-dead/