Two fire engines and various equipment from Cleveland Fire Authority have left this morning (5 October) to join a fourth convoy of UK aid travelling to Ukraine.
Cleveland Fire Brigade will be part of the fourth convoy, organised by the UK charity FIRE AID and International Development, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), EASST and the wider fire industry. A team of six Cleveland firefighters have volunteered to make the seven-day round trip to donate two fire engines and various equipment to support firefighters in Ukraine. Seven other fire and rescue services will also be making this journey.
The convoy is destined to Poland where we will hand over the equipment and vehicles. This fourth deployment will provide life-saving kit and equipment.
Chair of the Cleveland Fire Authority Cllr Paul Kirton said: ‘To see another convoy of this size go out is testament to the incredible hard work and determination of everyone who has been involved.
‘It really is a phenomenal effort and to see fire and rescue services such as Cleveland Fire Brigade, FIREAID, the sector and NFCC work together to achieve so much in such a short period of time. It is evidence of everyone’s commitment and dedication.’
Ian Hayton, Cleveland’s Chief Fire Officer said: ‘I’m enormously proud of staff’s dedication and support, and that we are part of a national effort for the people of Ukraine and their firefighters, and other emergency services who risk their lives to help protect the communities they serve.
‘The kit and fire engines the Fire Authority has donated have reached their end of life in our replacement programme but are fully serviceable for others to use, especially in the current climate where any resources to support emergency services in the Ukraine are vital. I am so proud that our staff readily volunteered to take part in this fourth convoy.’
We continue to stand side-by-side with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian communities across Teesside.
