The firefighting community in Berks County is reeling after a head-on collision left two high-ranking officers dead while they were performing a rescue operation. Officials confirmed that 2 firefighters killed in crash on Route 222 in Berks County were in the middle of a search for a missing woman when the fatal incident occurred on Saturday evening.
Fire Chief Jeff Buck, 60, and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick were both members of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue company. Both men, residents of Maidencreek Township, were transported to area hospitals following the wreck but succumbed to their injuries, according to Berks County Coroner Matthew Stitzel.
The crash happened around 6 p.m. On Route 222 in Richmond Township. The two chiefs were traveling north in a ZForce Side-by-Side utility vehicle—a type of rugged, off-road vehicle often used for search-and-rescue operations in difficult terrain—when they were struck head-on by a southbound sedan.
A mission of mercy turned tragedy
At the time of the collision, Buck and Shick were not responding to a fire, but were instead assisting in a critical search for a missing woman within Richmond Township. The use of the utility vehicle suggests the search had extended into areas where standard fire apparatus could not easily navigate.
The impact of the head-on collision was severe. Following the crash, a male driver and a female passenger fled the scene in the sedan. Law enforcement officials tracked the suspects to Krause Road, where they were apprehended. The driver of the sedan has since been taken into custody, though specific charges have not been detailed in the initial reports.
The loss has left a void in the leadership of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue department. In a poignant tribute shared on Facebook, the department expressed its grief and requested privacy for the families involved.
“At this time we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Shick and Buck family,” the department stated. “Rest easy chiefs, we got it from here.”
Investigation and forensic proceedings
The scale of the incident has required a multi-agency response to ensure a thorough reconstruction of the crash. The Berks County Coroner’s Office is working in tandem with the Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Services Unit and the Fleetwood Police Department to determine the exact cause of the collision and the circumstances surrounding the driver’s actions.
Because of the complexity of the case, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office has been called in to assist. Autopsies for Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick were scheduled for Monday morning at the Lehigh County facility to provide definitive medical findings.
Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio issued a statement honoring the fallen officers, emphasizing the selfless nature of their final act.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center, 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,” Buglio said. “We mourn alongside them during this profound loss and honor the dedication, courage, and selfless service these two fallen heroes gave in the line of duty. Their commitment to protecting and serving others will never be forgotten, and their sacrifice will be forever remembered.”
Summary of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, April 4, approx. 6:00 p.m. |
| Location | Route 222, Richmond Township, Berks County |
| Victims | Chief Jeff Buck (60) & Assistant Chief Robert Shick |
| Agency | Walnuttown Fire and Rescue |
| Vehicle Type | ZForce Side-by-Side (Utility Vehicle) |
| Cause | Head-on collision with a southbound sedan |
Impact on the Maidencreek and Walnuttown community
For slight, volunteer-led departments like Walnuttown Fire and Rescue, the loss of both the Fire Chief and the Assistant Chief is a catastrophic blow to operational continuity. These roles are not merely administrative; they are the primary tactical leaders during emergencies, responsible for the safety of every firefighter on a scene.
The deaths of Buck and Shick are being treated as line-of-duty fatalities, as they were actively engaged in a search-and-rescue mission at the time of the crash. This classification often brings a different level of support and recognition from state and national firefighter organizations.
Community members in Maidencreek Township, where both men resided, have begun mourning two figures who were deeply embedded in the local fabric of public safety. The department has indicated that funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date as the families coordinate their needs.
The investigation remains active, with officials focusing on the actions of the driver of the sedan and whether factors such as speed, impairment, or distraction contributed to the head-on strike on the utility vehicle.
As the investigation continues, the next confirmed step is the completion of the autopsy reports from the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, which will provide critical data for the Berks County District Attorney’s office as they determine the final charges against the driver in custody.
We invite readers to share their memories of Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick in the comments below. Please share this story to assist the community stay informed on the investigation.
