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Red Deer fire-medics donate gear and medical supplies to Ukraine

Fifty-three firefighting suits and seven large boxes of medical supplies donated
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One of the firefighting jackets that Red Deer Emergency Services is sending to Ukraine along with 52 others, including matching pants and a large amount of medical supplies. The message reads: Glory to Ukraine and glory to the heroes, love Canada.” (Photo contributed)

Red Deer Emergency Services have donated more than 50 sets of gear and a large amount of medical supplies to their colleagues on the fire frontlines in Ukraine.

The medical supplies were taken to a Calgary Ukrainian group three weeks ago and fire jackets and pants were packed up and sent earlier this week.

A family link to Ukraine inspired the charitable effort, said assistant deputy fire chief Curtis Schaefer.

“One of our firefighter paramedics had a family connection to Ukraine,” said Schaefer. “His grandfather fought for Ukraine in the Second World War,” said assistant deputy chief Curtis Schaefer.

The veteran’s son, the Red Deer fire-medic’s father, lives in Calgary and is involved with the Ukrainian organization there and has been gathering aid to send to the country, which was invaded by Russia a month ago.

“The gear has been sent to them and they will work to get it over to Ukraine where it will be distributed where it’s needed.”

Schaefer said they were able to pull together 53 sets of firefighting pants and jackets as well as seven large boxes of medical supplies for wound care, such as gauze, pressure dressing, gloves, masks and airway devices.

“It’s a situation that all of our staff can relate to and feel for those firefighters in Ukraine, who are doing their best in an overwhelming situation.

“They are having whoever they can help them fight the fires over there. So, providing more protective clothing helps the Ukrainian firefighters and everybody who is trying to help them.”

Schaefer said other fire departments around the province have also gathered gear and supplies to send to Ukraine.



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