UK Firefighters Race to Ukraine with Lifesaving Kit
Watch Manager Daryll Pynigar and Crew Manager Spencer Harrison are on a mission. They’re helping transport vital equipment, protective clothing, and medical supplies to Ukraine. The convoy includes fire and rescue personnel from all over the UK.
Thousands of Donated Items Head to the Frontline
The convoy, organised by charity Fire-Aid and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), is hauling over 5,000 pieces of fire kit to Poland for onward delivery into Ukraine. The haul features fire engines, thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue gear, and thousands of PPE sets.
Area Manager Jason Avery explained the motivation behind the effort:
“When we heard about the Fire-Aid and NFCC convoy to send surplus equipment to Ukraine, we knew we had to help.
“Our core role is to save lives, and firefighters on the frontline in Ukraine desperately need support.
“It’s been incredible to see fire services from across the UK pull together for this cause.”
Over 60 UK Firefighters Join the Convoy
More than 60 firefighters set off from Kent on Saturday, March 19, joining the convoy to ensure aid reaches those battling the crisis.
Daryll, an on-call support officer and firefighter at Bishop’s Waltham, said:
“We’ve all seen the situation in Ukraine and it’s deeply moving.
“Knowing what Ukrainian firefighters face daily makes us want to help in every way possible.
“The fire service is one family, no matter where in the world you are.”
Eastleigh-based Spencer Harrison added:
“Our job is to help people. This convoy will deliver critical aid where it’s needed most. We hope it makes a real difference.”
Teams Work Around the Clock to Pack and Deploy Aid
Daryll and Spencer are part of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) teams. Five HIWFRS members have been at the convoy base in Kent, sorting and packing equipment.
Funding for this mission comes from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the FIA Foundation, and public donations via JustGiving.
