The New Rochelle Fire Department will be donating several sets of used bunker gear to Ukraine's Fire and Emergency Services Ministry.
A firefighter in Clifton, N.J., originally from Ukraine, is spearheading the regional collection of badly-needed firefighting gear and Westchester County has designated one of the fire coordinators to be in charge of Westchester’s collections. The equipment will be transported via cargo flights to Poland. The Polish fire service will ensure donations are transported to the Ukrainian border and received by representatives of Ukraine’s Fire and Emergency Services Ministry.
New Rochelle's donation includes 30 coats, 48 pairs of pants, 30 pairs of boots, as well as 80 Nomex firefighting hoods and 100 SCBA air-pack masks.
“The New Rochelle Fire Department is honored to be able to assist our fellow firefighters in Ukraine in this small, humble way. Firefighters around the world are a family. We have a common bond within, a drive to serve our fellow man. We’re the people next door, responding to the community’s needs, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. God bless these extraordinary firefighters of Ukraine, serving their communities while under siege. May Providence keep them safe as they carry out their mission.”
Chief Sandor was joined by FF Marstus Hewitt, Capt. Brett Hendrie and Ret. FF Mike Walsh, and Lt. Shawn Bostick.