Peter Yankowski
Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
(TNS)
Oct. 23—MERIDEN — Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday ordered flags lowered to half-staff for a Wethersfield firefighter who died responding to a brush fire on Lamentation Mountain.
Meriden police said the firefighter, Robert Sharkevich Sr., died Tuesday after a utility vehicle firefighters were operating on a “steep rocky incline” rolled over onto him. Three other firefighters also were hospitalized in the incident, police said.
Lamentation Mountain, where the brush fire occurred, sits near the border of Meriden, where the crash occurred, police said.
Bunting could be seen decorating the Company 3 firehouse in Wethersfield Wednesday, symbolizing the fire department’s mourning for Sharkevich.
Meriden police and the governor’s office said Sharkevich also was a former Hartford firefighter.
“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.”
“On behalf of the people of Connecticut, I thank him for the service he has provided to our state, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Fire Department,” he added.
In September 2023, Sharkevich was recognized at a Wethersfield Town Council meeting alongside two police officers, a fellow firefighter and a retired fire lieutenant for their actions at a home the morning of July 31, 2023. First responders were called to the home after a witness reported heavy smoke. The five firefighters and police officers helped remove a victim who was in a hospital bed from the home.
Meriden police said they were notified of the crash by Berlin police, who were at the scene of the rollover in the woods involving four Wethersfield firefighters.
Meriden police said the three other firefighters involved were taken to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“These firemen were bravely assisting in battling the Lamentation Mountain brush fire believed to have originated in Berlin,” Meriden police said.
Sharkevich retired from the Hartford Fire Department as a pump operator, said the city’s fire chief, Rodney Barco.
“Whether retired or active, every firefighter is a vital part of our brotherhood, and their loss is felt profoundly by all,” Barco said. “Our hearts go out to the Sharkevich’s family and our brothers and sisters at the Wethersfield Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time.”
“We stand united in our grief and extend our support to them as they navigate this profound loss,” he said. “The legacy of Firefighter Sharkevich will continue to inspire us and remind us of the bravery and commitment that define our profession.”
Katie Dykes, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commissioner, shared her condolences with Sharkevich’s family and friends on behalf of the agency Wednesday.
“Firefighters, police, and emergency responders do heroic work every day, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the people and the environment of our state,” Dykes said. “I’m extremely grateful to, and have a tremendous respect for, people like Firefighter Sharkevich, who answer the call to keep us all safe.”
The fire was reported Monday in the wooded terrain. Photos captured by residents and a fire department’s drone showed a large patch of fire burning against Monday night’s sky.
In their latest update, Berlin firefighters said the blaze was 80 acres in size with its south edge extending into Meriden.
“This is a tragic reminder of the sacrifice and risk that our professional and volunteer firefighters face day in and day out when they put on their uniforms,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said in a statement.
“Firefighter Sharkevich bravely answered the call to assist the area’s fire crews in responding to this brush fire, and he will forever be remembered as a hero,” she added. “My heart breaks for his loved ones and the members of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, the Hartford Fire Department, and Connecticut’s whole firefighting community. I am keeping each of them and their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.”
Christine Dempsey contributed to this report.
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Governor Lamont Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Wethersfield Firefighter Robert Sharkevich
HARTFORD, Connecticut (Oct. 23, 2024) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff in honor of Robert Sharkevich Sr., a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Hartford Fire Department who died in the line of duty while responding to a brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin.
Flags should be lowered effective immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full staff.
“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,” Governor Lamont said. “His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic. On behalf of the people of Connecticut, I thank him for the service he has provided to our state, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Fire Department.”
“This is a tragic reminder of the sacrifice and risk that our professional and volunteer firefighters face day in and day out when they put on their uniforms,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Firefighter Sharkevich bravely answered the call to assist the area’s fire crews in responding to this brush fire, and he will forever be remembered as a hero. My heart breaks for his loved ones and the members of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, the Hartford Fire Department, and Connecticut’s whole firefighting community. I am keeping each of them and their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.”
In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
