SHERMAN, CT : Sherman volunteer firefighter dies in motorcycle accident on Wednesday, 14th September 2016

A member of the volunteer fire department who dedicated his life to serving others died on Wednesday after a motorcycle accident on Route 37 in New Fairfield.
Mario Luis, 51, a design engineer and father of three, was returning home from his job in Brewster, New York, when he lost control of his motorcycle while navigating a turn on Route 37 near the intersection with Handol Lane on Wednesday at around 7:30 p.m.
Luis, who was named Firefighter of the Year last year in Sherman, began sliding on the roadway, police said, and struck a wall and telephone pole on the side of the road. He died at Danbury Hospital.
Friends and family members, who were still in shock over the loss on Thursday, said he was a dedicated and inspiring man who would always help those in need. He became a firefighter in recent years, his wife, Victoria Luis, said, after a neighbor needed medical attention for a bad back but emergency crews who responded were too old to lift the man.
“Mario knew they were looking for volunteers and that there was a need for people who were strong and could help out,” Victoria Luis said.
Luis inspired his daughter, Kristina Luis, who also joined the volunteer fire department. And his son, Justin Luis, said Thursday that he joined an infantry division of the Army National Guard seven years ago to honor his father’s dedication to others.
“I joined the military so I could protect and serve and honor my father,” Luis said. “Of course, he didn’t want me to join because he was afraid it might jeopardize my life. He was the kind of man who would always put others first, including his children and his family. He would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it.”
Luis is also survived by his other daughter, Alyssa Luis.
Fire Chief Jim Reilly said members of the department are still coming to terms with the loss of a man he said could always be counted on to be there when it really mattered.
“The department is taking it the best they can,” he said. “He is going to be missed in the department. He was a well-liked guy.”
Reilly noted that Luis was given the honor of Firefighter of the Year last year, a designation that isn’t always given out eery year, only when there is a member whose dedication deserves to be recognized.
“It’s usually awarded to people who are always willing to lend a helping hand and take on extra responsibilities,” Reilly said. “Mario was just that kind of guy.”

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Sherman volunteer firefighter dies in motorcycle accident