Authorities have released the name of a firefighter who died after a utility task vehicle rolled over at the scene of a massive brush fire on Lamentation Mountain Tuesday evening.
Authorities have released the name of a firefighter who died after a utility task vehicle rolled over at the scene of a massive brush fire on Lamentation Mountain Tuesday evening.
Officials said a Wethersfield firefighter died and three others were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. They have since been released.
A fire UTV rolled over on a trail while working to extinguish a brush fire that has already extended 80 to 90 acres.
A crash involving a fire vehicle was reported at 5:35 p.m. The UTV was operating on the south end of the fire when it rolled over with four firefighters inside, according to officials.
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The firefighter who died has been identified as 66-year-old Robert Sharkevich.
“We are truly heartbroken at the tragic passing of Wethersfield Firefighter, Robert E. Sharkevich Sr. His dedication and bravery will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the Wethersfield Fire Department," Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser said in a statement.
He was also a retired Hartford firefighter, according to police.
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"Whether retired or active, every firefighter is a vital part of our brotherhood, and their loss is felt profoundly by all," the Hartford Fire Department said in a statement. "The legacy of Firefighter Sharkevich will continue to inspire us and remind us of the bravery and commitment that define our profession."
"It's definitely felt throughout the surrounding towns, not, you know, just a Wethersfield thing or a Berlin thing or Newington. Whether you know any of these, we're a family and [it] affects everybody here," Berlin Fire Chief Jonn Massirio said.
Sharkevich was also physical services carpenter in the Wethersfield school district, according to a letter from the superintendent that NBC Connecticut obtained from a faculty member. We are still waiting to hear back from the district and the superintendent.
The counseling services will be available at Wethersfield schools for staff and students.
A procession from the scene of the accident to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Farmington took place Tuesday night.
The line of engines and vehicles stretched for miles as departments from all over Connecticut escorted the fallen firefighter's body.
"There's long-lasting relationships between these people. We're a tight-knit family," Massirio said.
Gov. Ned Lamont has directed flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff in honor of Sharkevich. All U.S. and state flags will remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not been determined.
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office will determine the exact cause of death. The Meriden Police Department is leading the investigation.
The fire on Lamentation Mountain, which is now being coined the Hawthorne fire, resulted in the closure of Lamentation Mountain State Park and Giuffrida Park in Meriden.
Fire officials said it could be three to four days before the blaze is contained. The investigation remains ongoing.
