RICHMOND TOWNSHIP, Berks County, PA — The Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company is mourning the loss of its two highest-ranking officers, killed Saturday evening in a violent head-on collision while serving in the line of duty. Authorities say a drunk driver is responsible.
Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck, 60, and Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick Jr., both of Maidencreek Township, were killed at 5:57 p.m. Saturday, April 4, on Route 222 in Richmond Township. The two officers were operating a ZForce side-by-side utility vehicle on the shoulder of Kutztown Road, just north of Route 662, as part of a large-scale search operation for a missing 60-year-old woman. Multiple fire companies, Berks County Search and Rescue, and several other regional agencies were also involved in the search.
Witnesses told investigators that a southbound Toyota Camry was swerving before the driver lost control, left the roadway, and struck the UTV head-on. Following the crash, the driver and a female passenger fled the scene on foot but were apprehended shortly after on Krause Road.
Chief Buck was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:07 p.m. Assistant Chief Shick was taken to Reading Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel confirmed both deaths. Autopsies for both men are scheduled for Monday at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. In honor of the fallen chiefs, firefighters from across the region are making the drive to the hospital to pay their respects.
Driver Identified — DUI Homicide Charges Pending
Authorities identified the driver as 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera of the Bronx, New York. Berks County District Attorney John Adams confirmed that Sepulveda-Rivera is expected to be charged within 24 to 48 hours with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. “We will find some justice,” District Attorney Adams told the media.
‘Father Figures to All of Us’
Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Ryan Tyson spoke emotionally about the loss of both chiefs. “They were father figures to all of us and even members that are no longer with the department — they grew up serving with them,” Tyson said. “I just hope that we can find guidance through them every day.”
In a statement, the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company said, “At this time we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Shick and Buck family. Rest easy chiefs, we got it from here.”
Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio also released a statement, saying, “We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families of Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick, as well as to the members of the Walnuttown Fire Company and the entire firefighting community. Their commitment to protecting and serving others will never be forgotten, and their sacrifice will be forever remembered.”
The investigation remains active and is being conducted by the Fleetwood Police Department, the Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Services Unit, and both the Berks and Lehigh County Coroners’ offices. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The department is asking the public to respect the privacy of both families during this incredibly difficult time.
📸 Photo Credit: Nestor Video Production
