Connecticut firefighter dies in UTV crash while responding to brush fire
BERLIN, Conn. — A volunteer firefighter died in a utility task vehicle crash while responding to a brush fire in Berlin, Connecticut on Tuesday.
Gov. Ned Lamont ordered flags to be flown at half staff Wednesday in honor of Firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr., a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Hartford Fire Department.
"I am very heartbroken to learn the news of the tragic loss of Firefighter Sharkevich, who died while bravely and courageously responding to the brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin," Lamont said in a statement. "His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic."
Berlin Fire Chief John Massirio said Sharkevich was riding in a utility task vehicle on a trail when it rolled over near the Meriden town line. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
"Our worst nightmare, especially for a brush fire. It just goes to show that this job, no matter where you are, whether it's inside of a structure or out in the woods, it's dangerous," Massirio said.
Two other firefighters were injured. They were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and discharged, Massirio said.
"The friendships run deep here and there's long lasting relationships between these people, so we're a tight-knit family," he said. "It's definitely felt throughout the surrounding towns. … We're a family and it affects everybody here."
A procession of first responders was planned Tuesday evening to transport the firefighter from the mountain to the chief medical examiner's office.
Brush fire burns for over 24 hours on Lamentation Mountain
The fire began Monday on Lamentation Mountain, about 15 miles south of Hartford. It has scorched between 80-90 acres, and because of the difficult terrain, it's expected to take several days to put out.
Investigators are looking into a nearby campfire as a possible cause for the fire.
No evacuations have been ordered.