BERLIN, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) – The American flag is flying at half-staff outside a Connecticut fire department after one of their own was killed while battling a large brush fire.
Gov. Ned Lamont and emergency officials held a news conference Tuesday evening providing updates on a brush fire deep in the woods of Berlin. At the time, officials said 66-year-old Robert Sharkevich Sr. with the Wethersfield Fire Department was injured after a firefighter UTV rolled over. It was later confirmed he died from his injuries.
Three other Wethersfield firefighters were injured and taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, WFSB reports.
Sharkevich was a retired firefighter with the Hartford Fire Department who was still volunteering with the Wethersfield department.
Police say a preliminary investigation determined the UTV was operating on a steep, rocky incline when it rolled over onto Sharkevich, causing fatal injuries.
Berlin Fire Chief John Massirio says his department, along with others, will be there to help Wethersfield navigate this tragedy.
“It’s our worst nightmare, especially for a brush fire. It just goes to show you this job, no matter where you are, whether it’s inside a structure or out in the woods, is dangerous,” Massirio said.
Michael T. Emmett, the superintendent for Wethersfield Public Schools, says Sharkevich, a father and grandfather, worked for the district as a physical services carpenter. He says counseling will be available at schools Wednesday.
“Words cannot express the magnitude of this loss… On behalf of the Wethersfield Public Schools, I offer the Sharkevich family our deepest condolences and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time,” said Emmett in a statement.
Lamont reacted to Sharkevich’s death on X:
“My heart breaks learning the news that a Wethersfield firefighter died in the line of duty responding to the brush fire in Berlin. Firefighters go above and beyond to protect our communities. My prayers are with his family and colleagues at this devastating time.”
Police and fire crews for dozen of cities and towns across the state joined a procession for Sharkevich from Berlin to the medical examiner’s office in Farmington around 8:30 p.m.
Sharkevich’s body will eventually be taken in another procession from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home.
Brush fires have been a concern among fire departments in Connecticut due to the lack of rain and extremely dry conditions. Multiple fires burned across the state on Monday.
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