Two Berks County Firefighters Killed in Crash During Search

Authorities say the fire chief and assistant fire chief died in a head-on collision while assisting in a search for a missing woman.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a firefighter's helmet with a cracked visor, the harsh lighting and dark background creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the tragedy of the incident.The tragic deaths of two firefighters during a search operation have left their department and community in mourning.Fleetwood Today

Two leaders of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company in Berks County, Pennsylvania were killed in a crash while participating in a search for a missing woman. Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick Jr. were riding in a utility vehicle when it collided head-on with another vehicle around 6 p.m. Both men were pronounced dead at local hospitals.

Why it matters

The tragic deaths of these two respected firefighters have deeply impacted the local community and fire department. Their loss will be felt acutely as the department continues its critical work of protecting the public and responding to emergencies.

The details

Authorities say Buck and Shick were part of a search effort when the crash occurred. The utility vehicle they were in collided head-on with another vehicle. Buck was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital, while Shick died at Reading Hospital. Autopsies are scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation by Fleetwood police, the Berks County District Attorney's Forensic Services Unit, and the county coroners in Berks and Lehigh counties.

  • The crash occurred around 6 p.m. on April 5, 2026.

The players

Jeffory L. Buck

Fire Chief of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company.

Robert R. Shick Jr.

Assistant Fire Chief of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company.

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What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash that claimed the lives of the two firefighters.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks and sacrifices that first responders make in service of their communities. The Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company will need support from the local area as they grieve the loss of their esteemed leaders.