WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — On Monday, the Wethersfield community paid their respects along the Silas Deane Highway for fallen firefighter Robert "Sharkey" Sharkevich Sr.
The community stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder, in a sea of red and blue to honor Sharkevich, 66, who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community.
Sharkevich died in a utility vehicle rollover crash while battling the Hawthorne fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin on Oct. 22. He was laid to rest Monday following a procession and funeral service.
"It's really important to show your support for the community," David Gove said. "A lot of us came here to support the Sharkevich family, whether we know them or not he gave his life and he committed that to the community for us."
Sharkevich took one final ride on Wethersfield Engine 31 as the community took the day to honor him and remember the price of their safety.
The lights were off in Wethersfield classrooms Monday as learning took place along the Silas Deane Highway instead.
"Trying to make his day lifted because it's not just about skipping school its about celebrating it," Paokeo from Wethersfield said.
There were many parents who took the day off from work so that their children knew what Sharkevich did to keep them safe and learned how to say thank you.
Kids of all sizes showed their support dressed in fire uniforms, wearing hats and flags with the thin red line and standing at attention when the procession went by.
Students from the Wethersfield High School soccer team came to support their teammates who are hurting more than most.
"Both boys play on the soccer team here and I think it's really good for us to get out here and show support to them and the family," said Luke from the Wethersfield soccer team.
The team lifted up their friends by remembering and honoring their dad.
"It's a massive loss for our community, he was a great man and died in service to everyone here, and if we just remember what he was about and his values his legacy will live on and that's really important for our community," said Oliver from the Wethersfield soccer team.
People of all ages will remember the day the state embraced the Wethersfield Fire Department as they said goodbye to one of their own.
"I feel like we are here in support of the Sharkevich family and also the Wethersfield Fire Department knowing how much they do," said Diane from Wethersfield. "It's a whole community event and people will always remember this the children will always remember that we were here."
For school children or those well past school age, it's a lesson and memory that will last for years.
Alexa Farrell is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at AFarrell@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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