Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Dies in Motorcycle Crash: Report

NEW FAIRFIELD, CT — A volunteer firefighter died on Wednesday night after a motorcycle accident on Route 37 in New Fairfield, according to a report by The News Times.

Mario Luis, 51, of Sherman, was returning home from work in Brewster when he lost control of his motorcycle on a turn on Route 37 Wednesday at approximately 7:30 p.m., the report stated.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Luis was a senior mechanical designer at WinWay Technology, and he was Firefighter of the Year last year.

The Sherman Volunteer Fire Department said on its Facebook page that "Mario was an exemplary member who's dedication to service set the standard that others should try to achieve. He will be greatly missed."

First Selectman Clay Cope said, "One of the most difficult jobs a First Selectman has is to be the first to learn of a tragedy like this. Join me in mourning the loss of this gentle man, and honoring the legacy of our friend, and neighbor."

Luis' daughter Kristina followed closely in her father's footsteps and called her dad her hero.

"He was the kindest, most generous man I have ever met. I lost my best friend, my mentor, and my daddy yesterday. I have always grown up hoping to be half the person he was," she wrote on Facebook.

"Almost a year ago, I followed his footsteps into the fire department that has now made me a better and stronger person. I will miss his jokes, and his hugs, I'll miss his laughter and his passion for life. Heaven gained the most incredible man yesterday."

Services will be held on Sunday, in Kent at 3 p.m. Further details will be posted as they become available.

Read more The News Times here.

Image via Shuterstock