On March 11, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced a community collaboration aimed at assisting the citizens of Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Relief efforts include donations of major emergency and medical vehicles and gear, including: two ambulances and $10,000 is first aid supplies from American Medical Response (AMR); one ambulance, gurneys, wheelchairs, and two-way radios from Monroe Ambulance; more than 150 sets of turnout gear, firefighting and other equipment provided by area fire companies and ambulance services; medical gloves, face shields, gowns, and first aid supplies from Monroe County.
In addition, donation bins to collect medical and hygiene supplies for RocMaidan are being installed at the county office building and all Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations across the county.
“Monroe County stands with the brave people of Ukraine suffering under the horrifying, repulsive attacks on their nation by Russian President Vladimir Putin,” said County Executive Bello. “Shortly after the attacks began on February 24, I met with members of RocMaidan and other leaders of the local Ukrainian community to learn how we could help. As a result, we initiated an unprecedented mobilization of ambulance services, fire companies and others so we could pool our efforts. I thank RocMaidan, American Medical Response, Monroe Ambulance and our area fire companies and first responders for joining together to provide this important humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.”
Volodymyr Pavyluk, president of RocMaidan, the local organization overseeing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, says the ambulances, emergency medical, and emergency gear are critical needs in the war torn Ukraine.
“Every day we hear from our family and friends in Ukraine of the need for these lifesaving items. The regime that invades Ukraine is evil, but the good will and support around the world, and here in Monroe County, lets the people of Ukraine know they are not alone in their fight against tyranny,” said Pavyluk.
Monroe Ambulance Chief Operating Officer John Caulfield said: “The people of Ukraine are not only subject to the effects of war, but also uncertain access to medical equipment and treatment. In conjunction with our public safety partners throughout the region, Monroe Ambulance is pleased to provide a surplus ambulance, two-way radios, collapsible gurneys, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment. We trust that our small donation will help many Ukrainian citizens as they cope with the effects of the war and invasion of their country.”
Participating fire departments and ambulance services that donated gear include Churchville Fire Department, Hilton Fire Department, Gates Fire Department, Gates Volunteer Ambulance, City of Rochester Fire Department, Monroe County Airport Fire Department, West Webster Fire Department, Penfield Fire Department, Point Pleasant Fire Department, Sea Breeze Fire Department, and St. Paul Fire Department.
“Our first responders and ambulance services answered the call to action with an impressive outpouring of equipment and protective gear. Now we are calling on our residents to help this effort by donating vital supplies,” said Bello.
Requested items include sleeping bags, underwear, socks, diapers and baby wipes, adult diapers, feminine hygiene products, and toothbrushes. Please do not donate clothing, shoes, liquids, food, toothpaste, or shampoo.
Bins to collect community donations will be at the County Office Building, 39 West Main Street, Rochester, and the following DMV locations:
•200 East Main Street, Rochester
•152 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Greece
•2199 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta
•545 Titus Avenue, Irondequoit.
Provided information
