WATCH: Recognition Ceremony Honoring Wildfire Response Efforts

Hello,

This week, I had the honor of hosting a ceremony to recognize firefighters and other emergency personnel from more than 70 local and state fire departments and organizations in Connecticut, as well as others from outside of the state, for their extraordinary contributions in responding to the historic brushfires our state experienced between October and November 2024.

During the ceremony, we paid special tribute to Robert "Sharky" E. Sharkevich, Sr., of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department who lost his life while operating at a brushfire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin.

I am very grateful to all of Connecticut's firefighters, as well as their families, who make many sacrifices over the course of their loved one's call to duty.

I urge everyone in our state to reflect upon the bravery of Connecticut's firefighters, especially those who have given their lives in service.

With gratitude,
Ned