Rep. David Maloney offered condolences and recognized the service of two volunteer firefighters who were killed by an impaired driver while performing a search and rescue operation, according to an April 8 statement.
The deaths of Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Robert R. Shick Jr., both from the Walnuttown Fire Company, have brought attention to the risks faced by first responders and the impact such losses have on local communities.
Buck and Shick, who were neighbors, died when their utility vehicle was struck on Route 222 in Richmond Township as they searched for a missing woman. “Alexander Sepulveda Rivera, 26, was charged with vehicular homicide while Driving Under the Influence and involuntary manslaughter and he already had outstanding warrants,” Maloney said. “Buck and Shick were volunteers out to rescue someone in distress. A tragedy like this is heartbreaking and should not happen. Yet, events such as these bring our community closer together, despite the loss.”
Maloney questioned whether Rivera’s immigration status has been determined but also criticized Gov. Josh Shapiro’s response to first responder issues: “It is not known yet if this person was in the United States illegally, but Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) who immediately jumped up to make a proclamation for the media cameras and lower flags to half-staff, has a very bad track record on this specific issue.” He further said that Shapiro has disregarded Senate Bill 248 of 2021 regarding recognition for first responders: “You can’t have it both ways, governor,” Maloney said. “Either you always stand up for them, or you don’t.”
Maloney represents several Berks County communities including Alsace Township, Colebrookdale Township, Bally Borough, and Boyertown Borough according to his official website. He serves as Republican chairman for the House Game and Fisheries Committee per his official website.
His legislative priorities include eliminating property taxes; protecting children through background checks for those working with youth; requiring schools to report child abuse; fostering private sector jobs; safeguarding property rights; promoting conservation efforts; supporting hunter education courses in public schools; establishing September 27 as First Responders Day; and mandating display of POW/MIA flags on state properties according to his official website.
