RICHMOND TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A Berks County community is mourning the loss of two longtime fire chiefs who were killed in the line of duty over the weekend after a crash in Richmond Township.
A solemn procession Sunday transported the bodies of Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick Jr., who were struck head-on Saturday evening by a driver suspected of being under the influence.
Black bunting and flowers lined the Walnuttown Fire Company, where both chiefs had been members since their teenage years.
Officials said each man had children who are currently firefighters and are now mourning the loss of their fathers.
Fire companies from surrounding areas are rotating shifts to cover Walnuttown Fire Company through the week, providing relief as the department grieves.
Lt. Ryan Tyson of the Walnuttown Fire Company was the first to respond to the crash scene around 6 p.m. Saturday on Kutztown Road in Richmond Township.
“It’s not something that anybody should have to go through,” Tyson said.
He said he spoke to the chiefs at the scene.
“I said some words to them. I believe that they knew I was there,” Tyson said, later adding, “Not something that you’re ever prepared for.”
Officials said Buck and Shick were riding in a UTV, a side-by-side utility vehicle, while assisting in the search for a missing woman when a Toyota Camry struck them head-on.
Both firefighters later succumbed to their injuries at area hospitals.
“They’re going to be missed but they’re not going to be forgotten,” Tyson said.
Despite the crash, search crews continued their efforts and later that evening located the missing woman.
Fleetwood police identified the driver of the Camry as 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera of New York.
Investigators said he and a passenger ran from the scene but were found nearby.
Authorities said charges are forthcoming and that the driver already had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
As the investigation continues, colleagues and community members are remembering the two chiefs for their personalities and commitment to the fire service.
“They kept it light. They say that the firefighting community is a brotherhood. It really is,” Tyson said.
Investigators are expected to release additional information about the crash on Tuesday.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.