A Wethersfield firefighter died on Tuesday while responding to a massive brush fire that started in Berlin that has burned more than 100 acres since Monday night and crews from across the state are sharing words of condolence to his family, friends and colleagues.
Robert Sharkevich, 66, died after a utility task vehicle carrying four firefighters rolled over on a trail while working to contain the massive brush fire on Lamentation Mountain, which is now known as the Hawthorne fire.
"Firefighter Robert Sharkevich's dedication to the safety of our community is nothing less than heroic," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a post on X (formerly Twitter, on Wednesday morning.
Firefighter Robert Sharkevich's dedication to the safety of our community is nothing less than heroic. My prayers are with his family and colleagues with the Wethersfield Fire Dept. and Hartford Fire Dept. I have directed flags lowered in his honor. 🇺🇸
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) October 23, 2024
🔗https://t.co/0w8nOBYnhj pic.twitter.com/nhk0oyhTIG
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Three other firefighters were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries that are not life-threatening and they have been released.
“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.
Sharkevich was also a retired Hartford firefighter, according to police.
"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 John Massirio said.
Sharkevich was also a 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.
Counseling services will be available at Wethersfield schools for staff and students, according to that letter.
A procession was held on Tuesday night to bring Sharkevich from the scene of the accident to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington.
Photos: Procession held to honor fallen firefighter
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.
The governor 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 Sharkevich’s death. The Meriden Police Department is leading the investigation.
Photos: Massive brush fire burns in Berlin
Smoke from the fire continues to bellow and officials said it could be three to four days before the blaze is contained.
At a press conference Wednesday, fire officials said it is estimated that the fire has consumed about 125 acres. Fire officials estimate crews could be there for at least month.
About 30 firefighters are currently working on the fire and 40 municipal firefighters are supporting the operation. More resources from area departments and from out of state are expected to arrive on Wednesday.
Fire officials said they have the fire contained within a box at this time and crews are working to secure the edges. Wednesday's weather will reportedly test those lines and as the wind changes, operations could change, too.
The fire has spread mainly to the north and south along the ridgelines behind Sea Green Drive and the south edge has extended into Meriden, according to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.
The fire has not damaged any homes. No evacuation or shelter in place orders have been issued at this time.
The fire on Lamentation Mountain led to the closure of Lamentation Mountain State Park and Giuffrida Park in Meriden.
The Connecticut National Guard has been called in to drop water on the fire and an aerial forestry unit from Maine is also expected to provide resources to fight the fire from the air.
A red flag fire warning is in effect for fire danger across Connecticut until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Residents are urged to not use anything that sparks because any fire that starts is likely to catch and spread quickly.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation.
