Driver Charged with DUI, Homicide in Deaths of Two Berks County, PA, Fire Chiefs

"You don't really prepare yourself for an incident like this. Let alone two at the same time."

That's how Walnuttown Fire Lt. Ryan Tyson described the mood at the Fleetwood firehouse following the tragic deaths of Fire Chief Jeffory Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick Jr. 

While searching for a missing woman Saturday evening, the two chiefs were operating the department's UTV on the northbound shoulder in Richmond Township when a Toyota, going southbound, veered off the road and hit it head-on, NBC10 reported, adding that witnesses had seen the car swerving prior to the crash.

Buck and Shick were transported to local hospitals where they were pronounced dead.

The driver of the Toyota, Alexander Sepulveda‑Rivera, of New York, walked away but was taken into custody quickly. 

He was charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, accidents involving death or injury while not licensed, reckless driving, involuntary manslaughter, careless driving – unintentional deathwas driving under the influence and without a license.

While Walnuttown firefighters deal with their loss, they won't be responding to calls until April 11. Crews from mutual aid departments stepped up to cover the area.

Lt. Tyson said in addition to being leaders, they were father figures. 

"Their legacy is to do what is best for the residents of our township. I just hope that we can still find guidance through them every day while we are responding to these incidents."