Tragedy strikes walnuttown fire department as brothers fall

A devastating hit-and-run collision claimed the lives of two dedicated firefighters from the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue department.

Jeff buck and robert shick remembered for their selfless service.

Sharon Buck, wife of Jeff, described her brother-in-law as 'a hero' who spent his life in service to others.

Jeff Buck, 60, and Robert Shick, 56, were out searching for a missing woman on Saturday evening when a Toyota Camry struck them on the shoulder of Kutztown Road around 6 p.m.

The driver, Alexander Sepulveda Rivera, fled the scene before being apprehended. He faces multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

Both firefighters had decades of experience with Walnuttown, with Buck serving since his teenage years. Their loss leaves a gaping void in the department and the community they served.

A procession carried the fallen brothers back home from the Lehigh County Coroner's Office, with firefighters from neighboring departments covering Walnuttown's duties until at least Saturday.

As the department mourns, Sharon Buck hopes her brother-in-law will be remembered for the lives he touched and the knowledge he imparted to younger firefighters.