This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInWETHERSFIELD CT (WFSB) - Police in Wethersfield sought the public’s help in a nearly 47-year-old homicide case They said the body of 21-year-old Salvatore Bonelli of East Hartford was found near the old Wethersfield Town Dump on Great Meadow Road back on Oct They said that though four decades have passed detectives have been continuing to work the case and pursue leads “With the help of the public and modern forensic tools we remain committed to bringing justice for Salvatore and his family,” Wethersfield police said They asked anyone with information about the victim or the incident to call them at 860-721-2900 extension 2965 The can also be reached by email at investigative.services@wethersfieldct.gov 2025 at 9:42 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Wethersfield police swarmed the local 'Buffalo Wild Wings' sports bar Monday night to break up a large fight between two parties CT — Things got wild in a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Wethersfield Monday night with local police rushing to the eatery to break up a wild melee According to the Wethersfield Police Department police were called to the Buffalo Wild Wings at 1267 Silas Dean Highway at about 10:46 p.m "for a report of a large fight in progress inside the restaurant." mutual aid was actually called to the popular sports bar chain all parties were separated in the parking lot and it was discovered that the physical altercation was between two males," wrote the WPD the brawl was between a 31-year-old Middletown man and a 54-year-old male from Windsor Police said the parties declined medical attention and there were no arrests made as a result of the investigation See also across CT: Beloved Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Community Mourns Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2025 at 9:35 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A national grocery chain is opening up its fourth Connecticut store in Wethersfield later this month N.C.-based supermarket chain will soon open the state's fourth such store in Wethersfield later this month The Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce recently announced "The Fresh Market" had joined the chamber in advance of its planned April 23 grand opening/ribbon cutting "Happy to announce our newest member to the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce," wrote the Chamber last month "We are looking forward to their grand opening and ribbon-cutting on April 23 The new Wethersfield Fresh Market store will be at 1065 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield Fresh Market has three other Connecticut locations in Westport For more information on The Fresh Market, click on this link. CT (WFSB) – The Wethersfield community grieved the loss of a volunteer firefighter on Wednesday Robert Sharkevich Sr., 66, was killed Tuesday in an UTV crash as part of the response to a massive brush fire in the Town of Berlin Officials closed a portion of the Silas Deane Highway on Wednesday for a procession that carried Sharkevich’s body to the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home in town Sharkevich was described as a lifelong first responder with two decades of service to the Town of Wethersfield “We are heartbroken by the loss of Robert E Sharkevich Sr.,” said Wethersfield Mayor Ken Lesser “His dedication and bravery will always be remembered Our thoughts and prayers are with his family firefighting brothers and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.” the community mourned the loss of someone who was a parent known to many as “Sharky,” was a retired firefighter with the Hartford Fire Department the 66-year-old volunteered with the Wethersfield Fire Department He was considered a pillar of the community He served in law enforcement and in the public school district “He’s a volunteer and it just breaks your heart and the second thing is I think of his family,” said Rose Riley of Wethersfield “Someone said goodbye to him that morning and they say goodbye to them every day They put their lives on the line and sometimes they don’t come home.” a great community and to lose somebody is just heartbreaking for the family and police,” said Linda Carvalho of Wethersfield Wethersfield Public Schools Superintendent Michael Emmett said Sharkevich worked in the district as a physical services carpenter Emmett released a statement that said in part “words cannot express the magnitude of this loss.” always had a smile for you and a laugh,” said Ron Kendall Wethersfield Public Schools offered counseling to assist students and staff Sharkevich was honored by his brothers and sisters in law enforcement A procession led to the medical examiner’s office in Farmington It included police and fire crews from dozens of cities and towns across Connecticut Sharkevich’s body remained there on Wednesday morning Funeral arrangements have yet to be shared He was a father of four. If you would like to donate to his family, CLICK HERE. The Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association said it stood with the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department The town’s Chamber of Commerce sent its condolences Rocky Hill firefighters said their thoughts and prayers were with the Wethersfield department Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he was heartbroken “I am heartbroken for the entire Wethersfield Fire Department and the friends and family of the brave firefighter lost battling the Lamentation Mountain brush fire My thoughts are with all of the courageous firefighters and first responders still working to control this fire through their grief.” Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati said his city mourned the loss “I am very heartbroken to learn the news of the tragic loss of Firefighter Sharkevich who died while bravely and courageously responding to the brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic I thank him for the service he has provided to our state and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and colleagues in the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Fire Department.” 2025 at 2:17 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Wethersfield Police Department said Friday they're still seeking information as they try and solve the 1978 killing of East Hartford resident Salvatore Bonelli (Wethersfield Police Department)Wethersfield Police Department CT — The homicide of a 21-year-old East Hartford man in 1978 has yet to be solved and the Wethersfield Police Department said Friday they're still investigating this cold case was found dead near the Old Wethersfield Town Dump on Great Meadow Road the Wethersfield Police Department said it is still seeking the public’s help in solving the case "Although more than four decades have passed detectives continue to investigate and pursue new leads," wrote the WPD "With the help of the public and modern forensic tools we remain committed to bringing justice for Salvatore and his family." or the incident is asked to contact the Wethersfield Police Department – Detective Bureau at 860-721-2900 or investigative.services@wethersfieldct.gov ***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust while Wethersfield High School juniors were deep in focus taking the ACT the seniors were out exploring their futures during a special job shadow and college visit day.  This unique opportunity allowed students to step outside the classroom and immerse themselves in real-world environments aligned with their career aspirations or academic goals job shadowing was coordinated through a partnership with the Kewanee Kiwanis who helped organize placements and experiences for students in the community While the collaboration with Kiwanis has always been appreciated Wethersfield chose to refresh the format in 2025 giving students more flexibility and ownership in choosing their placements or planning college visits The updated structure also allowed for a wider range of career fields and opportunities across different locations “It was directly focused on WHS kids instead of all the kiddos in this town,” said Jessica Seiden the guidance counselor and member of the Graduation Committee at Wethersfield High School “I think they both prepare students equally.” shared that they are “hoping to offer this again” and liked how the new format allowed for “more individualized opportunities.”  Seiden also hopes that next time the experience could be offered earlier in the school year — perhaps around December or January — to give students even more time to reflect and plan their next steps Both agreed that this approach is a better way to meet each student’s needs more specifically the range of experiences reflected the diverse dreams of the senior class Many seniors spent the day shadowing professionals in their fields of interest: Other job shadow placements included Pioneer in Princeton for ag business For those leaning toward continuing their education college visits offered a taste of campus life: Some students remained at school for class-related experiences focused on career readiness Many seniors thought this was a great opportunity and would recommend that next year’s class take full advantage of it it was a really good learning experience!” Another commented “It was very much worth my time and gave a great representation of what I will be doing in the future.” The job shadow and college visit day was a valuable experience for seniors providing them with first-hand exposure to potential careers or colleges It was a day full of learning outside the textbook — one that could shape the decisions and direction of their next chapters Wethersfield seniors and staff send out a big thank you to the companies and people who helped out for allowing the Class of 2025 into their spaces and offering such meaningful shadowing opportunities As juniors tackled standardized testing and seniors envisioned their futures and new traditions at Wethersfield High School The Kewanee Voice’s nonprofit newsroom is dedicated to serving our readers by providing in depth local reporting to keep our community informed celebrate achievements and offer content that is useful and valuable to the readers we serve The Kewanee Voice is a 501(C)(3) non-profit news organization. EIN 92-2492101 email: news@kewaneevoice.com © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); The Kewanee Voice Proudly powered by Team WTI CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff in honor of Robert Sharkevich Sr. a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Hartford Fire Department who died in the line of duty while responding to a brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin Flags should be lowered effective immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full staff “I am very heartbroken to learn the news of the tragic loss of Firefighter Sharkevich who died while bravely and courageously responding to the brush fire at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin,” Governor Lamont said “His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic and colleagues in the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Hartford Fire Department.” “This is a tragic reminder of the sacrifice and risk that our professional and volunteer firefighters face day in and day out when they put on their uniforms,” Lt “Firefighter Sharkevich bravely answered the call to assist the area’s fire crews in responding to this brush fire and he will forever be remembered as a hero My heart breaks for his loved ones and the members of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Connecticut’s whole firefighting community I am keeping each of them and their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.” In accordance with the governor’s directive flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S © 2025 CT.gov - Connecticut's Official State Website 2025 at 5:46 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Wethersfield police late Sunday night broke up a loud party in which eight were charged with several gun violations after fleeing the marijuana smoking gathering CT — A noise complaint late Sunday night in Wethersfield resulted in eight people being taken into custody and charged with several gun violations According to the Wethersfield Police Department Monday seven adults and one juvenile were apprehended after fleeing a gathering on Lancaster Road in Wethersfield One of those charged was from Wethersfield Police said it all started at about 10:49 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a Lancaster Road residence for a loud noise complaint they located eight individuals talking loudly and smoking what appeared to be marijuana," wrote the WPD Police said a resident at the complex told them one of the fleeing individuals hid an item under a chair seat cushion outside the door they discovered two firearms under the seat cushion was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit; illegal sale/purchase of a large-capacity magazine; conspiracy to carry a pistol without a permit; conspiracy to illegally sale or purchase a large-capacity magazine trespassing; second-degree breach of peace; and interfering with a police officer trespassing; second-degree breach of peace; criminal possession of a firearm; and interfering with a police officer trespassing; second-degree breach of peace; possession of a controlled substance; and interfering with a police officer • An unnamed juvenile was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit; illegal sale/purchase of a large-capacity magazine; conspiracy to carry a pistol without a permit; conspiracy to illegally sale or purchase a large-capacity magazine Police said the juvenile was released to a guardian while the remaining seven suspects were to be arraigned in New Britain Superior Court Monday Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBERLIN Lamont directed flags to half-staff after a Wethersfield firefighter was killed while battling a large brush fire in Berlin on Tuesday Governor Lamont and emergency officials held a news conference providing updates on the fire died after being injured in a UTV rollover I’ll confirm we did have an accident not too long ago We’re working with the crews down the road here I’m not going to speak to that because we don’t know the details,” said Chief Jonn Massirio extent of injuries we’re not sure at this time Officials have now confirmed Sharkevich died from his injuries Three other Wethersfield firefighters were injured and transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries “Preliminary investigation determined the UTV was operating on a steep rocky incline when it rolled over onto Robert Sharkevich will be there to help Wethersfield navigate this tragedy whether it’s inside a structure or out in the woods The Superintendent for Wethersfield schools He also said counseling will be available at schools tomorrow I do apologize for reaching out so late in the evening and Physical Services Carpenter in the school district Words cannot express the magnitude of this loss I do want to let everyone know that counseling will be available at schools tomorrow to assist staff and students that need support On behalf of the Wethersfield Public Schools I offer the Sharkevich family our deepest condolences and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time,” said Emmett Sharkevich was a retired firefighter with the Hartford Fire Department who was still volunteering with the Wethersfield department Governor Lamont reacted to Sharkevich’s death on X My heart breaks learning the news that a Wethersfield firefighter died in the line of duty responding to the brush fire in Berlin Firefighters go above and beyond to protect our communities My prayers are with his family and colleagues at this devastating time A procession took place from Berlin heading to the medical examiner’s office in Farmington at around 8:30 p.m Police and fire crews from dozens of cities and towns across the state joined to escort the fallen first responder Sharkevich’s body will eventually be taken in another procession from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home Crews continued to battle a brush fire deep in the woods of Berlin on Wednesday morning Connecticut’s Task Force 1 has now been activated to assist at the blaze A red flag warning has been posted for the entire state Firefighters from several different towns have been at Lamentation Mountain working to contain the fire for almost 24 hours Today’s operations have been centered around putting a perimeter around the fire so that it doesn’t expand No homes have been evacuated and there are no plans to enact any evacuation orders Firefighters have been using drones to monitor the brush fire’s rate of speed An estimated 80 to 90 acres of land have burned Officials said it’s going to take several days to put out the fire they’re really just trying to work the perimeters and they’re putting some safety things in place Then we’ll start to work that water back in and set up some lines and things like that,” said Chief Jeff Pajor Officials also announced aerial support is going to be coming in from Maine to drop water on the fire The governor shared the National Guard has been authorized to bring in black hawk helicopters Officials are calling it the ‘Hawthorne Fire’ as it is right behind the area of the Hawthorne event space on the Berlin Turnpike They alluded to prior campfire activity at the location as a possible cause for the fire we don’t expect it to push downhill anymore,” said Chief John Massirio we do expect conditions to worsen for us by noontime with the sun coming up the humidity just keeps dropping and it’s gonna make it harder for us out there.” Firefighters started fighting flames on Lamentation Mountain on Monday night The smoke from it was reported in Wallingford The Wallingford police and fire departments said they were monitoring the situation “Both departments are aware that residual smoke is impacting our community and will continue to monitor what if any impact it may have on Wallingford,” the police department posted to social media calls started coming in about the fire just after 5 p.m an initial effort was made to contain the impact Additional resources were called in from Newington The main challenge crews faced was the steep and rocky terrain Firefighters said it has made logistics difficult to navigate The fire was west of Sea Green Drive and Bannon Lane We’ve been keeping a vigilant watch on those areas We don’t expect evacuations in the future,” said Massirio Crews said they were confident it was far enough away from any residential areas Brush fires have been a concern among fire departments due to the lack of rain and extremely dry conditions Multiple fires burned across the state on Monday Details: cache-fra-eddf8230160-FRA 1746542558 3115336591 a firefighter who died last week while fighting a brush fire at Lamentation Mountain was remembered during a funeral mass in Hartford Monday a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the Hartford Fire Department died last week while fighting the fire in Berlin He was riding in a utility task vehicle on a trail when it rolled over near the Meriden town line Prior to the funeral at the Cathedral of St dozens of police cars and fire trucks made their way in a procession to the church lined the street saluting and holding American flags spent 25 years with the Hartford Fire Department and an additional 22 years as a volunteer firefighter in Wethersfield He also worked as a carpenter and a maintainer for the Wethersfield Public School District “Robert was not just my brother; he was my hero — in body in strength and selflessness — throughout his life," said Karen Letizio two ladder trucks hoisted an American flag above the cathedral's entrance Sharkevich was remembered as a man with "a heart of gold" and a ready smile “He was known for his caring nature, unwavering love for his family, and his unforgettable sense of humor. Robert will forever be remembered as a true hero who always put others before himself,” his obituary reads Some firefighters were given time off following the death last week so they could have time to ground themselves "It's hard to keep a lot of the guys away after something like this," Massirio said And they want to do it to honor those we've lost But it's important to recognize when there is a separation needed." The fire on Lamentation Mountain continues to burn, injuring two more first responders over the weekend, according to NBC Connecticut Lamont directed flags in Connecticut to half staff and extended condolences to his family friends and colleagues and thanked him for his service “His selfless dedication to public service and the safety of his community and the surrounding towns is nothing less than heroic,” Lamont said in a statement Lamont ordered flags to return to full-staff Monday evening Kelsey Hubbard Rollinson and Erica McIntosh contributed to this report Receive daily news and talk from Connecticut Public Radio directly to your inbox 2025 at 10:52 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Guido Reinoso-Gallegos was accused by state police of driving impaired while asleep in a Tesla on Interstate 91 in Wethersfield early Friday morning CT — A New York man will appear in court next month after he was seen slumped over asleep at the wheel of a Tesla crawling along Interstate 91 in Wethersfield According to Connecticut State Police the incident happened early Friday morning That's when police charged Guido Reinoso-Gallegos with operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; reckless driving; operating a motor vehicle at too slow a speed; and second-degree reckless endangerment Reinoso-Gallego was released on a $1,500 bond and will appear in New Britain Superior Court on May 5 dispatchers at the Troop H Barracks in Hartford began receiving multiple "911" calls about a Tesla traveling significantly below highway speeds on I-91 south in Wethersfield Police said additional "911" callers said they saw the operator to be slumped over and presumably asleep behind the wheel "Troopers located the vehicle and observed it operating at approximately 30 mph with its four-way hazard lights activated in the center lane," wrote state police in a release last week "Troopers also observed the operator slumped over and presumably asleep behind the wheel while the vehicle was driving." Troopers were eventually able to conduct a traffic stop based on the violations observed Troopers identified several signs of impairment and requested he perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Reinoso-Gallegos complied and failed to perform the tests to standard he was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop H for processing For more information on the case, click on this link. 2024 at 10:28 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Wethersfield voters made their choices known on Election Day CT — Wethersfield voters went to the polls Tuesday to cast votes in the presidential Below are the unofficial vote totals from each race according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State's Office Voter turnout in Wethersfield was 81.65 percent The eventual election winner's names are bolded Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to allow each voter to vote by absentee ballot * Numbers only reflect the town's vote totals for that particular race