WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — Firefighters see a lot in their line of work. But Wednesday night, it was those they had not seen in a year that brought a tear to many of their eyes.

Robert Sharkevich Sr. was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 22, 2024 , while battling the Hawthorne Fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin. He belonged to the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department. The Hawthorne Fire spread to 127 acres, becoming the largest wildfire in the state in 40 years.

Investigators found that an improperly extinguished campfire was the cause. It was preventable.

"Sharkie," as he is lovingly called, should still be with them. His brothers and sisters in uniform. His family. His kids. His wife. His community.

“He hasn’t been here for some things he should’ve been," his sister Karen L

See Full Page