May 2025
On May 2nd-4th 2025, During NFFF Memorial Weekend Engineer Robert Sharkevich Sr. was added to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Roll of Honor in Emmitsburg M.D. While the Sharkevich Family attended the ceremony in Emmitsburg, local residents honored our fallen hero by “Lighting The Night” and displaying red lights outside their homes to show their support. On May 5th members of the Sharkevich Family and the WVFD celebrated Sharkey’s life of dedicated service by unveiling his engraved name to the Wethersfield Fallen Firefighters Memorial outside of Co. 1.
Robert E. Sharkevich Sr., affectionately known as “Sharkey,” was born on March 8, 1958, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Sophia and the late Edward Sharkevich. He graduated from A.I. Prince Tech in 1976 as a carpenter.
He began his 25-year career with Hartford Fire Department in 1982 with an older brother, and later his oldest brother joined. Several of those years included being a driver of the tactical unit, one of the busiest in the country. In 2001, Rob responded to Ground Zero, assisting in recovery efforts alongside his fellow first responders. His bravery and selflessness during this tragic time exemplified his unwavering commitment to serving others.
Just before retiring from HFD, he continued his duty to the community as a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, Company 3, where he served for 22 years. Rob was an engineer/driver of Engine 31, which he was on a committee to help build and design with Sutphen-Ohio.
Rob also worked as a carpenter and maintainer for the Wethersfield Public School District for the last four years, leaving a lasting impact on the town and students he cared for so deeply.
Robert was a devoted son and son-in-law, brother and brother-in-law, husband, father, uncle, Papa, Godfather, friend, and community volunteer.
He was known for his caring nature, love for his family, and his unforgettable sense of humor. Rob will forever be remembered as a true hero who always put others before himself.
Rob was a dedicated family man, leaving behind his loving wife of 20 years, Joanne, and their twin sons, Camden and Kayden, whom he enjoyed watching play hockey and soccer. He is also survived by Robert Sharkevich Jr., who served alongside him in the WFD; Robert Jr.’s wife, Kristi; and their daughters, Jourdan and Adriana; his daughter, Kristy Sharkevich; his mother, Sophia; his siblings, Steven, Gary, Cathi, and Karen; and many extended family and friends.
Sharkey had a passion for the Red Sox, Bruins, NY Giants, and former Hartford Whalers. He enjoyed playing golf, especially with his sons. He was often referred to as “The Grill Master” at home, family events, and the firehouse. His”10-3″meatloaf was loved by many.
He left this world doing what he loved. We will forever hold him in our hearts as a hero. No one will fill the void he left. Although he is missed more than words can ever describe, his strength and bravery live on through his wife, kids, entire family, fellow brothers and sisters of the fire departments, and everyone else who had the pleasure of meeting him.
October 2024
I would like to express my sincerest condolences on behalf of myself and my family to the family of Engineer Robert "Sharky" Sharkevich, Sr. I knew Sharky well when I served with the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department. It was a pleasure to work with Sharky. He was a consummate gentleman and a true professional. He approached every situation with a clear head and lived up to all that the brotherhood of the fire service represents. Not only was he an active member of the department, but he also passed that tradition on to his son and nephew.
Losing a member of our fire service family is never easy. When it hits right here at home, it is seemingly unfathomable. It is said, though, that "Greater love hath no man, than to lay down his life for others." While it is never what we expect, each firefighter, and all first responders, commit themselves to understanding that they may not make it back. They take that risk so others may live. Sharky lived this up to the end and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
To all members of the community, let Engineer Sharkevich's sacrifice be a reminder of the work that all of our first responders do each and every day, often outside of the view of the general public.
To my brothers and sisters of the Wethersfield Fire Department, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Let Sharky's legacy inspire you. When the bells ring, put your boots on and go to work. That is what he would want. That is what this community needs, and that is what you do each day. Stay strong. Stay safe.
William R. Clark, Chief of Department (ret.) Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department
January 2024
At approximately 11:58 p.m on January 16th our dispatch center received several calls reporting a structure fire at 75 Fairview Drive. The first arriving fire officer reported heavy fire to the rear of the structure and that all occupants had safely escaped the structure. Firefighter faced heavy fire conditions and cold temperatures. The bulk of the fire was extinguished within 15 minutes. The WFD was assisted by our Task Force 51 departments (Berlin, Cromwell, Newington, and Rocky Hill) on scene. The Glastonbury Fire Department provided station coverage. There were no reported injuries. The American Red Cross provided assistance to the two occupants displaced by the fire.
The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental in nature.
The fire started in the exhaust vent for the clothes dryer and quickly spread to the rear exterior portion of the home. We would like to remind everyone to periodically check the exhaust hose for your dryer and clean it when necessary.
Anthony Dignoti,
Assistant Chief/ Fire Marshal
September 2023
At the town council meeting on September 5th, 2023 Ret. Lieutenant Tom Lawton, Firefighter Chris Hock, Firefighter Rob Sharkevich Sr. Officer Jason Nunez and Officer Mark Wildman receive recognition for their life saving efforts.
On Monday July 31st, 2023 at 0619 The Wethersfield communications center began receiving 911 calls reporting a structure fire on Laconia Rd. Initial reports indicated a kitchen fire in a home with a non-ambulatory person unable to evacuate the house. Wethersfield Fire Department, Wethersfield Police, and Wethersfield EMS were concurrently dispatched to the scene. A following call from a passerby reported a heavy smoke condition emanating from the home. Retired Wethersfield Fire Department Lieutenant Tom Lawton who lives close by entered the home to find a heavy smoke condition which was banked down to knee level and located the victim who was in a hospital bed in a front room of the house. He was immediately joined in the house by arriving Wethersfield Police officers Jason Nunez and Mark Wildman who began the process of removing the victim. They were joined by firefighter Chris Hock who assisted in carrying the victim from the hospital bed to the front door where they were joined by firefighter Rob Sharkevich Sr. A joint effort of all of them brought the victim to the front lawn where initial emergency medical assistance was begun, at that time medical assistance was turned over to Wethersfield EMS as well as Aetna Ambulance personnel who prepared the victim for transport to a local hospital. The fire was subsequently extinguished by arriving Wethersfield firefighters. Many occupants of the home as well as the first arriving firefighters and police officers were assessed by EMS on the scene. In total 7 people were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Chief Schroll applauds the efforts of the first arriving firefighters and police officers who performed as a team to successfully remove the victim under extremely hazardous conditions.
July 2023
It is with heavy heart that Chief Schroll and Captain Sitler announce the untimely passing of Firefighter John "Jack" Maycock of Company 1.
Please keep the Maycock Family and our Firefighter family in your thoughts and prayers. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Chief Schroll
To Jack’s friends and colleagues at the Wethersfield Fire Department. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support from all of you since Jack’s passing. As you all know, Jack was passionate about the fire service. He was so proud to be a part of the Wethersfield Fire Department, and he was at his happiest serving with you all. Jack loved every aspect of being a firefighter, from training, to teaching, to responding to calls. However, it was the brotherhood that truly meant the most to him. The friendship he shared with each of you brought him so much joy. We want to thank you all for the love, friendship, and support you have shown Jack over the years. It meant so much to him and to all of us. Thank you."
With love and gratitude
John, Jennifer Lee, and Emily
March 2023
On March 27th, 2023 the WVFD rolled-out their new self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) throughout the department. This new SCBA was purchased with the help of a federal grant received by the department and ARPA funds. This equipment will keep our firefighters protected for many years to come. A huge thank you to everyone from the time this idea was put on paper, the grant process, equipment testing and purchasing. The Town Council support, and every member of this department that had a hand in the process up until the roll-out. A major milestone for our department. Everyone’s support is appreciated. - Chief Schroll
February 2023
At approximately 0050 hours on 2/2/23, the FD was dispatched to Apple Hill for a reported garage fire. The first arriving Chief Officer arrived to find heavy fire showing from the garage and first floor. All occupants evacuated the house prior to the FD arrival. Assistance was provided at the scene by Task Force 51 with representatives from Rocky Hill, Newington, Cromwell, and Berlin. Glastonbury FD provided town coverage from our Company One on Main Street. After extinguishment, the scene was turned over to the Fire Marshals Office for investigation.
-Chief Schroll
