Firefighter Dies After UTV Rolls Over Him While Responding to Fire

A firefighter has died after he was involved in a fatal crash while battling a growing brush fire in Connecticut.

Robert Sharkevich Sr., a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD), was responding to the fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin when he died, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release.

Meriden police said the 66 year old and three other firefighters were riding a firefighting utility task vehicle on Tuesday, Oct. 22, when it flipped around 5:30 p.m. local time, The Daily Voice and ABC affiliate WTNH-TV reported.

The UTV was said to be “operating on a steep rocky incline, as part of the firefighting efforts, when it rolled over” onto Sharkevich and caused “fatal injuries,” according to CBS affiliate WFSB.

Sharkevich died at the scene of the crash, while the three others were hospitalized. Flags in Connecticut have been ordered to fly at half-staff, Lamont said.

Before working for the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, Sharkevich was a member of the Hartford Fire Department (HFD), according to Lamont and a statement shared on Facebook by the Hartford Firefighters Association.

Sharkevich spent many years as a “dedicated” heavy rescue driver for Tactical Unit 1 and was “cited numerous times for his bravery and heroism, saving many lives,” the fire association said.

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Sharkevich, known as “Sharky” to some, has many family members connected to the HFD. His son, Robert Sharkevich Jr., is currently “assigned as a driver at Ladder Co. 2” and his nephew. Gary Sharkevich Jr. is a Lieutenant at Ladder Co. 6.

Additionally, Sharkevich’s brothers Gary and Steve previously served the HFD “for many years” and have since retired, according to the fire association.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department as we mourn together the tragic loss of one [of] our retired members,” the Hartford Fire Association said.

The Meriden Police Department and the WVFD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

In a separate statement, Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser offered “thoughts and prayers” to Sharkevich’s family and members of the fire department, according to NBC affiliate WVIT.

“We are truly heartbroken at the tragic passing of Wethersfield Firefighter, Robert E. Sharkevich Sr.,” Lesser said. “His dedication and bravery will always be remembered.”

The governor described Sharkevich as a brave and courageous first responder. “His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic,” Lamont added.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said the fatal incident that led to Sharkevich’s death “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.”

Sharkevich “will forever be remembered as a hero,” she added.