Two firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) have joined a convoy delivering life-saving aid to rescue workers in Ukraine.
Watch Manager Daryll Pynigar and Crew Manager Spencer Harrison will help transport equipment, protective clothing and medical supplies, alongside personnel from fire and rescue services across the UK.
The mission – organised and led by charity Fire-Aid and the National Fire Chiefs Council – will see more than 5,000 items of donated kit taken to Poland for onward transport into Ukraine.
Last week our firefighters and support staff collected, packed and delivered surplus HIWFRS kit to donate to the cause.
Area Manager Jason Avery said:
“When we heard about the work being carried out by Fire-Aid and the NFCC to coordinate a convoy of surplus equipment to Ukraine, we knew we wanted to help in any way we could.
“Our core role is to help and save lives and firefighters on the frontline in Ukraine are in desperate need.
“It has been amazing to see fire and rescue services from across the UK coming together to help.”
Twenty fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts.
And more than 60 UK firefighters have joined the convoy as it left Kent this morning (Saturday, 19 March).
Daryll, who is an on-call support officer and a firefighter at Bishop’s Waltham, said:
“We’ve all seen what’s happening in Ukraine and have been touched by the situation.
“Seeing what the firefighters out there are dealing with every day means we want to help in any way we can.
“The fire service is one community, no matter where you are in the world.”
Eastleigh-based Spencer added:
“Our job is to help people. This convoy means vital aid will get to where it is needed most, and we hope it makes a difference.”
Daryll and Spencer are both members of the HIWFRS Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR).
UKISAR team members – including five from HIWFRS – have spent time at the convoy base in Kent sorting and packing equipment.
The deployment of donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.
