3rd Ukrainian Convoy Update
The latest convoy to the Ukraine, assisted by a number of Operation Florian members, has made steady progress through Europe after crossing the channel. Firefighters in all the countries that the convoy has passed through have shown unwavering support and this was very much the case in Germany where the volunteers were hosted for the night by our German brothers and sisters.
Firefighters Memorial Day 4th May 2022
Firefighters Memorial Day takes place each year on the 4 May.
Fire and Rescue Service personnel throughout the UK are encouraged to form a visible parade at their fire station, or other Fire and Rescue Service premises and observe the minute’s silence at midday to pay tribute to, and remember, those who have died or have been injured as a result of their duties whilst serving their communities.
The 4 May is also ‘International Firefighters Day’ and in some countries is celebrated as ‘St Florian’s Day, with the intention of commemorating the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of Firefighters everywhere.
Read the full storyTwo Fire Appliances Fully Stowed with Equipment Being Prepared for Donation
Operation Florian members have spent two days cleaning and preparing two fire appliances donated by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ready to be donated to Kenya. Although these vehicles are past their service life in the UK they will be put to good use in their new home helping to protect the communities of Homa bay.
Ukraine Convoy – Official Handover in Lviv
18 fire engines and a huge amount of fire and rescue equipment – donated by UK fire & rescue services – were officially handed over today to the Ukrainian Emergency Services and Deputy Minister of Interior, Meri Akopyan.
Aid For Ukraine Firefighters – Convoy Arrives
Vital fire and rescue equipment has now been handed over to the Polish Fire Service for distribution in Ukraine. We are extremely proud of our members and the collaboration with Fire aid, NFCC and the UK home office to get this convoy out there so quickly. Well done to all involved and thanks to the many supporters who waved them on throughout the journey.
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Donate Read the full storyUkraine Convoy Update
Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, the Convoy departed yesterday and is now travelling through Germany. There is a very strong spirit of support for Brother and Sister firefighters who are under extreme pressure risking their own lives saving others whilst protecting their communities in Ukraine. planning has already started for more vehicles and equipment to follow on.
Our Board Member Roy Barraclough gave the following update this afternoon : “Members of Operation assisting in the fire aid convoy to Ukraine have made good progress since they left Calais early yesterday morning. They are now well into Germany and proceeding with their sights on Poland having spent a night courtesy of the German fire service who looked after the whole FireAid team of 52 people really well. Whilst tired the team are in good spirits and looking forward to today’s journey”
Please click here to see the departure video published by FireAid
Operation Florian supporting national initiative to help Ukraine firefighters
The charity is proud to be supporting a national initiative to send vehicles and equipment donated by fire and rescue services in the UK to Ukraine where firefighters, emergency services and Ukrainian volunteers are dealing with the devastating effects of the invasion.
UK charity, FIRE AID and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are coordinating the donations which will be sent in convoy to Ukraine . The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation.
Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and thousands of sets of PPE are among the items being donated. Every fire service across the UK has stepped in to support these efforts.
As a founding member of Fire Aid. Operation Florian are supporting the Operation at every level and our years of experience in this type of work is being used to good effect. Our members are working at a strategic level and on the ground to gather equipment and drive the vehicles to the Ukraine border.
Operation Florian Chair Michael Doherty says “Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine and our long held relationship with Ukrainian firefighters comes to the fore once more. Having worked in Crimea in previous missions we know only too well of the desperate needs of the communities at this historical point of time. I am proud of all our volunteers working under this UK multi agency umbrella of aid delivery, knowing full well that our members will deliver it to the point of need. God speed your journey to the people of the Ukraine.
Further information can be found on the Fire Aid website and the NFCC website
Operation Florian Donated Fire Appliances Arrive in Zimbabwe
Five of the six fire engines donated to Zimbabwe arrived at their final destinations last week and are now being prepared for duty in Harare and Chinhoyi. The sixth vehicle is in Namibia and will be collected by Masvingo Fire Service. All of these vehicles will serve the communities in Zimbabwe helping to save lives and protect property for many years to come.
Operation Florian Members load containers with equipment bound for Zimbabwe and Lebanon.
Team members from our charity have been working hard in Chorley and Northampton loading containers with thousands of pounds worth of vital equipment and protective clothing bound for Zimbabwe and Lebanon.
The next day more of our members and volunteers worked hard in Northampton to load another container bound for Lebanon. Once again stacked with crucial life saving supplies and equipment.
As always our heartfelt thanks go to our supporters and the various organisations and services that donate equipment, sponsor us and give up their time to help. The Lebanon team also wish to thank Fire Aid, Rotary District 1014, Rotary Club of Babda (Beirut) and numerous Rotary Clubs worldwide for their contributions to this project.
Read the full storyMedia Coverage of our Work in Macedonia
BBC South showcasing the work of Operation Florian in Macedonia. For anyone who is unsure what we do this is a great example. Well done to our team and everyone who supports the charity. This is what your support and donations can achieve.