Wethersfield Community Mourns Loss Of Beloved Firefighter

WETHERSFIELD/BERLIN, CT — One day after Wethersfield firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr. lost his life trying to contain a massive brush fire in Berlin, the tributes continue to pour in.

Sharkevich, 66, was killed late Tuesday afternoon when the UTV firefighting vehicle he was in overturned on Lamentation Mountain, which has been ravaged by a massive brush fire since Monday.

Two other firefighters in the vehicle suffered minor injuries, but Sharkevich died of his injuries after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

While well-known in the state firefighting community and the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, the man known as "Sharky" also was a beloved Wethersfield Public School System staffer for four years.

According to Wethersfield Superintendent of Schools Michael T. Emmett, Sharkevich was a carpenter and maintainer for the school system, as well as a parent and grandparent.

Tuesday night, Emmett broke the sad news of Sharkevich's passing to the school community.

"Words cannot express the magnitude of this loss," wrote Emmett in a letter.

He said counselors are available at Wethersfield schools to assist students and staff if needed.

"On behalf of Wethersfield Public Schools, I offer the Sharkevich family our deepest condolences and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult," said Emmett in his message.

The Town of Wethersfield paid homage to Sharkevich's legacy Wednesday morning.

In a somber statement, the town called Sharkevich a "devoted husband, father, grandfather and community volunteer."

The town said, "Robert Sharkevich Sr. made an incredible and lasting impact on the Town of Wethersfield."

The former Hartford Fire Department firefighter had more than two decades of service in the Wethersfield community, including many years as a volunteer firefighter in town.

"We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, to the Wethersfield Fire Department, and all those touched by his loss," wrote the Town of Wethersfield

Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser said the town is, simply, "heartbroken."

"We are heartbroken by the loss of Robert E. Sharkevich Sr.," Lesser said in a statement. "His dedication and bravery will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, firefighting brothers, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

"Words cannot express the loss that our community is now experiencing," added Wethersfield Town Manager Fred Presley. "It is a painful reminder of the reality of the risks that our first responders face every day. Our hearts are with Roberty's family, friends, and co-workers."

Sharkevich's brothers with the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department issued a heartfelt tribute to the fallen hero.

Sadly, it was BVFD Chief Jonn Massirio who broke the news Tuesday night that the accident during firefighting operations was a fatal one.

"Today, we remember a hero who selflessly answered the call of duty, who stood on the front lines when danger loomed," wrote the BVFD on social media Wednesday morning.

"A firefighter is not just someone who battles flames; they are the ones who rush in when others rush out, driven by a deep sense of courage and purpose."

"He embodied the spirit of service, putting their own safety second to those in need," continued Berlin firefighters.

"His bravery will forever be etched in the hearts of the community he served, and their legacy will live on in the stories of those whose lives they touched.

Meanwhile, countless other tributes from police and fire department social media sites honored the bravery of Sharkevich, as well as the man.

"Because of the Brave," a Cheshire-based nonprofitdedicated to honoring the sacrifices of the military and responders also paid tribute to Sharkevich.

"He was known for his unwavering commitment to his work and his community, always ready to lend a helping hand," wrote the organization Wednesday on social media.

"The community is heartbroken by his loss and will remember him for his kindness, dedication, and service."

From Oct. 22: 'Berlin Brush Fire: Firefighter Mourned As Blaze Still Burns: UPDATE'