RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – Bunting hangs from the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue department as it mourns the losses of Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick.
“They were father figures to all of us and even members that are no longer with the department they grew up serving with,” said Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Ryan Tyson.
The two chiefs died Saturday night after being hit head-on by a car while they were in a UTV on the side of Route 222 during a missing person search in Richmond Township.
In their honor, firefighters from across the region are driving to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office where the chiefs’ autopsies are scheduled for Monday.
District Attorney John Adams said 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera from the Bronx was driving the swerving car, which allegedly went off the road and hit the UTV.
“He will be charged within the next 24-48 hours with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence,” said Adams.
According to investigators, Sepulveda-Rivera and a passenger left the crash scene.
Adams said Sepulveda-Rivera is being held at the Berks County Jail on an outstanding warrant.
“We will find some justice for these two volunteer firefighters who lost their life,” said Adams.
Lieutenant Tyson said the two chiefs joined the department in their early teens.
“The years of knowledge between Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick cannot be replaced. They both knew this building from the inside out more than anybody that’s here,” said Lieutenant Tyson.
He said Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick who are from Maidencreek Township, both leave behind families.
Tyson said the two chiefs gave their all every day to do what is best for the community.
“I just hope that we can find guidance through them every day,” said Lieutenant Tyson.
The Walnuttown Fire Department Facebook page has more information on the accident.
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Officials say the accident happened Saturday just north of Route 662.