Ukrainian firefighters are set to receive a boost to their fleet from their colleagues in County
Durham and Darlington.
SINCE the war on Ukraine began in February 2022, 100 firefighters have lost their life in the Ukraine
and 1700 fire vehicles have been destroyed.
UK fire and rescue services have been supporting the Ukrainian war effort, by donating fire
engines and other vital equipment.
As part of the most recent round of donations, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue
Service (CDDFRS) have pledged to send two fire Dennis Sabre fire engines to the country. Six CDDFRS
firefighters, who have volunteered their time, will be delivering the vehicles to Poland.
They will be travelling in convoy with representatives from 15 other Fire and Rescue Services.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Helps said: “Both vehicles have served our communities well for two
decades. I sincerely hope they will be an asset to our Ukrainian colleagues.”
He added: “I also want to commend the commitment of our staff. In January, we asked for
volunteers to come forward to drive the appliances and we were overwhelmed by offers. No matter
the nationality, the connection between firefighters is strong.”
Chair of the Combined Fire Authority, Councillor John Shuttleworth, added: “We are pleased to be
able to support our Ukrainian friends and as chair of the Combined Fire Authority I am incredibly
proud of our compassionate service.”
