A group of firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue Service were among a 25-vehicle convoy carrying lifesaving equipment donated to support Ukraine.
The team from Avon Fire & Rescue Service | Photo © AF&RS
More than 8,000 items of firefighting equipment were donated by 17 fire and rescue services across the country.
With the distance totalling over 1,250 miles, a team of six volunteers joined colleagues from across the UK as they made the four-day journey from Avonmouth to a handover point in Poland.
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “It was an incredible sight to see so many appliances, staff and pieces of equipment travelling together to support this important cause.
“It’s an honour to have been able to support our fire service colleagues in Ukraine and provide them with resources to help them continue their lifesaving work.
“I’m extremely proud of all those who have made the journey over to Poland and would like to thank them for their service.”
The convoy in Dover on the way to Poland | Photo © AF&RS
The Avon Fire & Rescue Service team was made up of staff from across the area.
Firefighter Ross Larner said: “It was an extraordinary honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to be part of the team selected for this mission.
“This was a very challenging few days for many reasons, but I couldn’t have wished for a harder working, committed and professional group to share the experience with.
“Regardless of any preconceptions about the trip, none of us could have predicted the shared emotion we felt during the speech given by the General from the Ukrainian Fire Service at the handover ceremony. This was a truly humbling experience.”
The convoy was the fifth of its kind, organised by the National Fire Chiefs Council, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), with support from the wider sector and the Home Office.
Items were also donated by police forces coordinated through the National Police Chiefs Council.
