HARTFORD, Conn. — Family, friends, and fellow first responders said goodbye to Wethersfield Fire Captain Robert "Sharkey" Sharkevich Sr., who laid down his life trying to help his community battle a brush fire.
Sharkevich, 66, died in a utility vehicle rollover crash while battling the Hawthorne fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin on Oct. 22.
Final services for Sharkevich were held inside the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford before burial at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill.
Sharkevich is remembered as a true community hero: a person who ran toward danger when others turned away and, for the last 22 years, didn't earn a dime as a volunteer firefighter.
"When that bell rings or when that radio call goes off it is a brotherhood and a sisterhood and that’s what we are here to do today," said Commissioner Ronnell Higgins of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
As the flag-draped casket carrying the body of Sharkevich lay in repose at the foot of the altar in the cathedral, his son and nephew recalled that most terrifying evening on Oct. 22.
Gary Sharkevich, nephew of Sharkevich Sr., said, "As the daylight faded in the mountain fire, we carried him home. Uncle Rob, you meant the world to us. We will carry on your legacy, your laughter and your spirit with us forever."
Sharkevich Sr.'s sister, Karen Letizio, said, "Robert was not just my brother, he was my hero. Embodying strength and selflessness throughout his life."
Sharkevich Sr. spent 25 years as a firefighter for Hartford and 22 with Wethersfield. He died doing what he loved: helping the community.
"Shark was a true American hero, that's for sure," said Chief Kyle Krupa of the Hartford Fire Department. "He was a tough firefighter."
Retired Hartford firefighter and longtime friend John Mudry spent 31 years serving Hartford, some of which he spent riding alongside Sharkevich Sr.
"Great fireman, he was a fireman's fireman and people looked up to him," Mudry said. "He loved the job so much, and that's what a fireman's fireman is, you love the job with your heart and your soul."
Hamden Fire Chief Shelly Carter said, "He is the epitome of what we want to be as firefighters. He gave his life but before that, he gave his service."
State Sen. Matt Lesser noted Sharkevich Sr.'s "commitment to the town of Wethersfield" and "his service in a variety of capacities to the school district to keeping folks safe."
"I’m always in awe of anybody who will put their life on the line to save others," Lesser said.
For Sharkevich Sr., firefighting was not a vocation, but a calling. He gave his life in the ultimate sacrifice of service.
"His dedication to firefighting and his deep love for family are the endless gifts he has given to us. These are the moments and memories we will miss most," Letizio said.
To know him was to love him. Sharkevich Sr. was known as a man of honor, character, compassion -- and a few shenanigans.
Gary Sharkevich said, "One of my favorite memories was working on roofs with him. We did it so often it became routine. Even him occasionally falling off the roof and me and Robby looking for him in a bush or a dumpster only to brush himself off and get right back up."
Sharkevich Sr. was a firefighter, a husband, son, father, grandfather and friend.
"If you have a friend or relative who is on the job, hug them and kiss them before they leave. They might not come back," Mudry said.
Sharkevich Sr. leaves a lasting legacy: his son and nephew are also firefighters. His family is asking those who would like to pay their respects to Sharkevich Sr, in lieu of flowers, to donate to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Those looking to donate directly to the family can visit the GoFundMe page here.
Gov. Ned Lamont directed U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to return to full staff Monday evening after they were brought to half-staff on Oct. 23.
A wake for Sharkevich Sr. was held on Sunday at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home on 34 Beaver Road in Wethersfield. His obituary can be found here.
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