Wethersfield firefighter remembered as a pillar of the community

WETHERSFIELD, CT (WFSB) – The community of Wethersfield mourned the loss of a volunteer firefighter Wednesday morning.

Robert Sharkevich Sr., 66, was killed Tuesday in a UTV crash as part of the response to a massive forest fire in the city of Berlin.

Sharkevich was described as a lifelong first responder.

On Wednesday morning, the community mourned the loss of a parent, grandparent and first responder.

Sharkevich, known to many as “Sharky,” was a retired firefighter with the Hartford Fire Department. After retiring, the 66-year-old volunteered for the Wethersfield Fire Department.

According to those who knew him, he was considered a pillar of the community. He served in law enforcement and in the public school district.

Michael Emmett, superintendent of Wethersfield Public Schools, said Sharkevich worked in the district as a physical services carpenter.

Emmett released a statement saying in part, “words cannot express the magnitude of this loss.”

Overnight, Sharkevich was honored by his brothers and sisters in law enforcement. A procession led to the medical examiner’s office in Farmington. It included police and firefighters from dozens of cities and towns in Connecticut.

The first responders met outside the office. Sharkevich’s body remained there Wednesday morning.

The firefighter will be honored again in a procession once his body is ready to leave the medical examiner’s office.

Sharkevich’s body will be escorted to a funeral home.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be shared.

On Wednesday, Wethersfield Public Schools offered counseling to help students and staff.

Fire and police departments, along with local and state officials, posted their condolences on social media.

The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association said it stood with the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department.

The city’s Chamber of Commerce offered its condolences.

Rocky Hill firefighters said their thoughts and prayers were with the Wethersfield department.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he was heartbroken.

Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati said his city was mourning the loss.

Gov. Ned Lamont sent flags to half-staff.

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