Fire Chief Killed On Duty Had Bucks Co., Montco Ties

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A Berks County assistant fire chief killed in a DUI head-on crash while on duty over the past weekend had roots in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Robert Shick Jr., an assistant fire chief with the Walnuttown Fire Company, was killed on Saturday night when a vehicle struck Shick and Fire Chief Jeffory Buck head-on as they assisted in the search for a missing woman in Richmond Township, Action News 6 reported.

The 56-year-old Shick was a graduate of William Tennent High School in 1988 and grew up in Warminster after being born in Abington Township, according to an obituary from the Ludwick Funeral Home.

His father, who died in 2018, was a volunteer for the Lynnport, New Tripoli, and Kempton Fire companies, and the Lehigh County Fire Police Association.

Shick Jr. and Buck had been with the fire department since their teenage years.

The driver, identified as 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera of New York, has been charged with homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence, Action News reported.

Shick Jr. was employed as a truck driver for Viwinco Windows and Doors, Morgantown, since 2025. Prior, he was employed as a laborer and truck driver for East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc., Lyon Station for 29 years. He also worked as a roofer with his uncle Don, at Don's Roofing, Egypt, Lehigh County. Rob was a race enthusiast and worked on Clean-up #3 at Pocono Raceway for 10 years.

He was a volunteer firefighter with the Walnuttown Fire Company, Richmond Township, Berks County, since his early teens. He served as the assistant chief for multiple years, most recently since 2024. He also briefly served with the Virginville Fire Company, Richmond Township, Berks County. Shick was also a member of the Alsace Manor Fire Company Social Quarters.

"Rob served as a soccer coach for Fleetwood Youth Soccer Club, for over 10 years. He enjoyed camping, four-wheeling, and off-roading. He was a member of the former Walnuttown Rod and Gun Club. As we mourn the loss of Rob, we remember his infectious smile, his kind heart, and his quick wit, which brought joy to everyone he met. Robert will be deeply missed, not only by his family but by all who were fortunate to know him," his obituary stated.

In addition to his wife of 36 years, Jen, and mother, Doris, Shick is survived by his son, Brett S. Shick.

Joint Funeral Services for Shick and Buck will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Fleetwood High School Auditorium, 803 N. Richmond Street in Fleetwood.