Community Honors Fallen Berks Firefighters

Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeffory Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick Jr. remembered for their selfless service

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:12pm

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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, conceptually representing the somber aftermath of a tragic line-of-duty incident.The tragic loss of two respected fire department leaders has left a community in mourning, but their legacy of selfless service will endure.Morgantown Today

Friends, family, and fellow firefighters gathered at Fleetwood High School on Saturday to remember Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeffory Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick Jr., who were killed a week earlier when their fire department utility vehicle collided with a car during a search for a missing woman. The two men were honored for their decades of dedicated service to the community.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of the two fire department leaders has deeply impacted the small Walnuttown community, which is now coming together to celebrate the lives of Buck and Shick and the selfless way they served others until the very end.

The details

During the emotional funeral service, speakers shared memories of the two men, describing them as unselfish, caring, and always willing to help anyone in need. Buck and Shick had been longtime volunteers with the Walnuttown Fire Company, with Buck serving as chief for over 40 years and Shick as assistant chief for 40 years. Both men were also dedicated employees at local companies, with Buck working at East Penn Manufacturing for 35 years and Shick most recently as a truck driver for Viwinco Windows and Doors.

  • Buck and Shick were killed a week before the funeral service in a collision on Route 222 in Richmond Township.
  • The funeral service was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Fleetwood High School.

The players

Jeffory Buck

Walnuttown Fire Chief who had been a volunteer with the fire company for over 40 years. He worked at East Penn Manufacturing for 35 years and was a proud regular blood donor.

Robert Shick Jr.

Walnuttown Fire Assistant Chief who had been a volunteer with the fire company for 40 years. He most recently worked as a truck driver for Viwinco Windows and Doors after nearly 30 years at East Penn Manufacturing.

Brett Shick

Son of Robert Shick Jr. who spoke about his father's selflessness and commitment to the community.

Robert Buck

Son of Jeffory Buck who spoke about his father's positive and caring nature that touched many lives.

Brittany Shick

Daughter of Robert Shick Jr. who is also a member of the Walnuttown Fire Company and shared lighthearted memories of her father and Chief Buck.

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What they’re saying

“My dad was an amazing person. He was probably one of the most unselfish people I have ever known.”

— Brett Shick, Son of Robert Shick Jr.

“My dad would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger simply because it would help them out. There would be no second thought, no ulterior motive, just trying to help. That's what he loved to do.”

— Robert Buck, Son of Jeffory Buck

“They have left a void that will never be filled. But I know, deep down inside, that we are going to make them proud.”

— Brittany Shick, Daughter of Robert Shick Jr.

What’s next

The Walnuttown Fire Company is planning to hold a memorial service and fundraiser to support the families of Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of these two respected fire department leaders has deeply impacted the Walnuttown community, but their legacy of selfless service and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire kindness and community spirit in the region.