Viewing Held for 2 Berks County Fire Chiefs Killed in Crash

Family, friends, and first responders gathered to honor the fallen leaders.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:51am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a firefighter's helmet with a cracked visor, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the somber, investigative mood of this tragic incident.The cracked helmet of a fallen firefighter serves as a somber reminder of the risks first responders face in the line of duty.Fleetwood Today

A viewing was held on Friday night for Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Schick Jr., who were killed in a head-on collision while responding to a call for a missing woman along Route 222 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The driver of the other vehicle, 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda Rivera of the Bronx, is facing several charges including homicide by vehicle.

Why it matters

The tragic deaths of these two respected fire chiefs have deeply impacted the local community, highlighting the risks first responders face in the line of duty. The viewing allowed family, friends, and fellow firefighters to come together and honor the fallen leaders.

The details

Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Schick were searching for a missing woman along Route 222 on Saturday when another driver, Alexander Sepulveda Rivera, hit their vehicle head-on. Both fire chiefs were killed in the collision. The viewing was held at the Fleetwood High School Auditorium, where family, friends, and first responders gathered to celebrate the lives of the two fallen leaders.

  • The viewing was held on Friday night, April 10, 2026.
  • The fatal crash occurred on Saturday, prior to the viewing.

The players

Jeff Buck

Walnuttown Fire Chief who was killed in the line of duty.

Robert Schick Jr.

Assistant Fire Chief of Walnuttown who was killed in the line of duty.

Alexander Sepulveda Rivera

26-year-old driver from the Bronx who is facing charges including homicide by vehicle for the crash that killed the two fire chiefs.

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What’s next

The legal proceedings against Alexander Sepulveda Rivera will continue as he faces charges related to the fatal crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers first responders face while serving their communities, and the importance of honoring their sacrifice and supporting their loved ones in the aftermath of such devastating losses.