Two Firefighters Killed in Berks County Crash

Tragedy strikes search operation for missing woman

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:35pm

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Two firefighters from the Walnuttown Fire Company, Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., were killed in a head-on vehicle collision while searching for a missing woman in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The crash occurred on Route 222 when their utility vehicle collided with a Toyota Camry traveling in the opposite direction.

Why it matters

The loss of two experienced firefighters in the line of duty is a devastating tragedy for the local community and highlights the risks first responders face while carrying out critical search and rescue operations. The investigation will likely focus on the circumstances surrounding the crash and any potential contributing factors.

The details

According to the Berks County Coroner's Office, the firefighters were part of a search operation in Richmond Township when their northbound utility vehicle collided head-on with a southbound Toyota Camry on Route 222 at around 6 p.m. on April 4. Both Buck and Shick sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The condition of the Camry's operator is currently unclear.

  • The crash occurred at around 6 p.m. on April 4, 2026.
  • An autopsy is scheduled for April 6, 2026.

The players

Jeffory L. Buck

Fire Chief of the Walnuttown Fire Company.

Robert R. Shick, Jr.

Assistant Fire Chief of the Walnuttown Fire Company.

Walnuttown Fire and Rescue

The local fire department that employed the two firefighters killed in the crash.

Berks County Coroner's Office

The office investigating the incident and conducting the autopsy.

Fleetwood Police Department

The local law enforcement agency assisting with the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“At this time, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Shick and Buck family.”

— Walnuttown Fire and Rescue

What’s next

The Berks County Coroner's Office, along with the Lehigh County Coroner's Office, the Berks County District Attorney's Forensic Services Unit, and the Fleetwood Police Department, are investigating the incident. An autopsy is scheduled for April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers that first responders face while carrying out their duties to protect the community. The investigation will likely focus on determining the cause of the crash and any potential safety improvements that could be made to better protect firefighters during search and rescue operations.