Children of Fallen Berks County, PA, Fire Chiefs Vow to Continue in Bootsteps
The children of fallen Walnuttown fire chiefs are vowing to continue their legacies.
While Brittany Shick, 32, and Chad Buck, 24, who grew up in the firehouse, are mourning their losses, both are committed to carrying on with their dads' missions -- serving their Berks County community.
Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Rob Shick were killed Saturday when their UTV was hit by a car while they were searching for a missing woman. Police found a crack pipe and marijuana in the vehicle, CBS Philly reported.
The driver, apprehended after he walked away from the crash scene, has been charged with two counts of homicide, driving under the influence and other offenses.
Brittany, who joined the Walnuttown Fire Company at 14, feels a certain responsibilty to follow in her father's bootsteps
"Best mentor I could've ever asked for. Best father I could've ever asked for...As much as I told my guys I don't know if I can do this again, I know that I have to — in his honor, and in Jeff's honor."
When she dons her turnout gear to respond, she said her father will be in her heart.
"I have to fill some very, very big shoes around this firehouse, but I know with the support from my crew here, when I'm ready, I can do it."
Meanwhile, Chad Buck fondly referred to his dad as "quite literally a superhero."
While standing near his father's gear, he said he knows he's got a long tough road ahead, but he'll take it.
"He's always been there. He's taught me everything I know. His entire legacy, some shoes that I'm going to have trouble filling, but I'll eventually try."
He added that the examples his dad and Rob set will help as the department moves ahead without them.
In addition to two white crosses, a Croc marks the scene where the chiefs answered their final alarm.
"He always wore Crocs ... even to fire calls," said Jennifer Buck, the chief's wife, adding that they would have celebrated their 34th anniversary later this month.
"We're all living a nightmare..."
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.