Avon and Fire Rescue Staff delivered supplies to Ukraine

The equipment was donated by 17 Fire & Rescue Services from across the UK.

With the distance totalling over 1250 miles, a team of six AF&RS volunteers joined colleagues from across the UK as they made the four day journey from Avonmouth to a handover point in Poland.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “It was an incredible sight to see so many appliances, staff and pieces of equipment travelling together to support this important cause.

“It’s an honour to have been able to support our firefighter colleagues in Ukraine and provide them with resources to help them continue their lifesaving work.

"I’m extremely proud of all those who have made the journey over to Poland and would like to thank them for their service.”

The AF&RS team was made up of staff from across the service. Firefighters Ross Larner from Clevedon, Jon Parker from Chew Magna, Paul Lippiatt from Temple, Jordon Beer from Bedminster with staff Tony Miller from Technical Services and Martyn Bolt from Fire Investigation.

Firefighter Ross Larner said: “It was an extraordinary honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to be part of the team selected for this mission.

“This was a very challenging few days for many reasons, but I couldn't have wished for a harder working, committed and professional group to share the experience with.

Regardless of any preconceptions about the trip, none of us could have predicted the shared emotion we felt during the speech given by the General from the Ukrainian Fire Service at the handover ceremony. This was a truly humbling experience."

The convoy was the fifth of its kind, organised by the National Fire Chiefs Council, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), with support from the wider sector and the Home Office. Items have also been donated by police forces coordinated through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

To read more about the work of the NFCC and other partners in support of Ukraine, visit the website.