Hana Ikramuddin
The Middletown Press, Conn.
(TNS)
Oct. 22—BERLIN — A Wethersfield firefighter died while battling the brush fire on Lamentation Mountain on Tuesday after a UTV they were operating on a steep rocky incline rolled over, officials said.
The firefighter who died was identified by Meriden police late Tuesday night as 66-year-old Robert Sharkevich, who was also a retired Hartford firefighter. Three other unidentified firefighters sustained non life-threatening injuries in the rollover and were transported to area hospitals, Meriden police said.
In a news conference Tuesday evening, Berlin Fire Lt. John Massirio said a firefighter died when a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) rolled over on a trail while they were working to extinguish the fire.
Massirio said there would be a procession from the scene of the accident to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington late on Tuesday.
“My heart breaks learning the news that a Wethersfield firefighter died in the line of duty responding to the brush fire in Berlin. Firefighters go above and beyond to protect our communities. My prayers are with his family and colleagues at this devastating time,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement.
Attorney General William Tong said he was “heartbroken” for the department and the firefighter’s loved ones.
“My thoughts are with all of the courageous firefighters and first responders still working to control this fire through their grief,” Tong said in a statement.
Earlier on Tuesday, Berlin fire officials said the blaze on the mountain was “expected to be a prolonged event that will take multiple days to contain.”
They said the wildfire burning in Lamentation Mountain State Park spread across 80 to 90 acres, necessitating the activation of helicopter crews to come in to attempt to fight the fire by air.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
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