Joanne and Seth Wakeman, former homeowners on South Road in Chilmark, were hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver Saturday evening while crossing a Mystic, Conn., street, according to a Stonington Police release.

Joanna Wakeman, 78, and Seth Wakeman, 88, had an enduring connection to Chilmark.

“Seth was an active member of our finance committee,” Chilmark town administrator Tim Carroll told The Times. “We looked forward to seeing him every year when he would come through to renew his friendships. We are saddened to hear the news of their passing.”

Carroll, who is also Chilmark deputy fire chief and a reserve Chilmark police officer, went on to say such a tragedy is “inexcusable.”

“Both were transported to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead,” Stonington Ambulance Chief Theresa Hersh said. Hersh, who is also captain and vice president of the Quiambaug Fire Company and a Stonington police officer to boot, said the Mystic Fire Department and Stonington Ambulance both responded to the incident. Mystic River Ambulance, L and M Paramedics, and Groton Town Police also responded to the scene, according to the release. In a bitter irony, Hersh said Seth Wakeman, as a member of the Quiambaug Fire Company’s fire police, would secure such accident scenes and manage traffic. Wakeman also served in fire administration, she noted.

“Seth [was] the vice president of the Quiambaug Fire District,” she said. “Prior to that, he was the president.”

In that capacity, Seth Wakeman recently cast a district vote that helped with the purchase of a 2,000-gallon KME fire engine/tanker, she said. As a tribute, the fire company intends to emblazon Wakeman’s name somewhere on the truck, she said.

“He and his wife were very supportive of public safety,” she said.

Carol M. Belli, a 73-year-old Groton, Conn., resident was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in relation to the deaths, according to the release. Belli is free on a $600 bond, and is slated for a court date in New London on March 20.

Stonington Police and the Stonington Patrol Division are investigating the accident.