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Retired fire engines and equipment safely delivered to Ukraine
A team from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) completed a 2,000-mile journey to deliver two fire engines and vital rescue equipment to firefighters in Odesa, Ukraine.
The convoy, which departed from Temple Fire Station in Bristol on Sunday 24 August and returned to the UK in the early hours of Monday 1 September, was made up of seven AF&RS volunteers alongside Cllr Paul Goggin, Chair of Avon Fire Authority. Together, they drove through eight countries, often spending up to 15 hours a day on the road. The team’s morale remained high thanks to the importance of their mission and the generous hospitality of European fire and rescue services along the way.
On arrival in Odesa, the two fire engines, along with personal protective equipment, hydraulic cutting tools, water rescue gear and road traffic collision equipment, were formally handed over to the Odesa City Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The vehicles and equipment will now be used directly in life-saving operations.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team,” said Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook. “With Fire Aid and International Development’s support, we’re making sure this life-saving equipment gets to where it’s needed most.”
This donation was approved by Avon Fire Authority earlier this year and has had no impact on local fire cover. All of the donated equipment came from AF&RS’s retiring fleet and surplus stock that could no longer be used by the Service.
The project was coordinated with support from the charities Fire Aid and International Development and Ukraine Aid and Welfare (UAW), and was also inspired by the Bristol Ukrainian Community, who helped with joining the link between Bristol and Odesa.
Importantly, the mission came at no cost to local taxpayers. All transport and logistics were funded through charitable donations and partner support.
“This donation reflects the compassion and solidarity of our community,” said Cllr Paul Goggin, Chair of Avon Fire Authority. “It’s a powerful example of how UK fire services can help those facing unimaginable hardship.”
