"You need to get home to your family," Scott said to Penovich.

"I will," Penovich replied. "When I'm done with this family."

Police are still unsure what caused the truck to careen off the road. Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Randall Richey said they have no suspicion that alcohol or drugs were involved. Witnesses said a dark-colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Ranger, passed Penovich heading northbound. But investigators are unsure if Penovich swerved to avoid the vehicle.

Sgt. Jeff Nigbur of the Utah Highway Patrol said Penovich was wearing a seat belt.

In 2003, Penovich received the city's first Employee of the Year award. He started working in the city's public works department in 2002. In April 2006, after years of working as a volunteer firefighter in Cedar Fort, Penovich became the city's fire chief.

His wife and children described him as a wonderful husband and father.

When Ken Leetham, Saratoga Springs city manager, learned of the accident, he closed the city's office. He said Penovich's death has had a profound impact on the city.

"I would say there's not a person that I've known who's met Mike or been acquainted with Mike that didn't just thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the relationship," Leetham said. "He's just a cheerful guy. He would do anything for anybody. He would stop and help a stranger any time just as much as if it were his best friend. He's just a good man. ... He's going to leave a huge hole."

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Contributing: Amy Choate-Nielsen

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E-mail: jdana@desnews.com