Six Surrey Fire and Rescue Service staff members set off to Poland yesterday (Tuesday 3 May) to donate two 4×4 Landrover vehicles to the Ukrainian Fire and Rescue Service.
The vehicles, which have been decommissioned by the service, are typically used for off-road/rural firefighting, however during COVID they were used to deliver PPE around the county. The service has worked with its Fire Authority, Surrey County Council, to prepare and release the vehicles.
The six staff members who have volunteered, will meet other UK Fire and Rescue Services who are donating items at Ashford Fire Station, they’ll then handover the vehicles in Poland on Sunday (8 May).
Chief Fire Officer, Steve Owen-Hughes, said:
“I am extremely proud that we can continue to help the people of Ukraine at this extremely difficult time. We’ve been working closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council as well as UK charity FIREAID offering support throughout this conflict as have many other fire and rescue services.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our colleagues who have helped support Ukraine so far by hosting charity events and donation stations, as well as the six members of staff volunteering to take these vehicles to Poland.”
“Follow us on Instagram as Crew Commander Tom Westcott will be taking us along on the ride by documenting their journey.”
Cabinet Member for Community Protection (which includes Surrey Fire and Rescue Service), Kevin Deanus, said:
“Surrey County Council’s aim is to ensure no one is left behind and we are doing a great deal to support the people of Ukraine, both those abroad and those coming to the UK. I am so pleased that our fire and rescue service is able to support.”
