On the evening of April 4, 2026, Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr. were fatally injured in the line of duty along US Route 222 in Richmond Township, Berks County.
 
While conducting a missing person search, Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick were struck by an automobile that swerved off the roadway and struck their Utility Task Vehicle head-on.
 
The people of our Commonwealth are graciously served by many volunteer first responders. Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick together devoted more than seven decades as firefighters and ultimately gave their lives serving their neighbors.
 
Left behind are two loving families, a fire company that continues the legacy of its fallen leaders, and a community that has lost two men who led the charge in crucial lifesaving and property-preserving operations when the stakes were highest.
 
Please join me in honoring Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick by co-sponsoring a forthcoming condolence resolution recognizing their service and sacrifice.