March 11th, 2022
Aid efforts include donation of three ambulances, firefighting and medical gear and the installation of donation bins to benefit RocMaidan at all county Department of Motor Vehicles locations.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced an unprecedented 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:
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Two ambulances and first aid supplies from American Medical Response (AMR)
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One ambulance, gurneys, wheelchairs and two-way radios from Monroe Ambulance
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More than 150 sets of turnout gear, firefighting and other equipment provided by area fire companies and ambulance services
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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 Feb. 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.
“Thank you to County Executive Bello for leading this effort. Thank you to American Medical Response, Monroe Ambulance, all of the fire departments and the community for these generous donations,” said Pavyluk. “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.”
Tim Frost, regional director of American Medical Response (AMR) said: “American Medical Response (AMR) is proud to be able to donate two ambulances and $10,000 in disposable medical supplies to the people of Ukraine. Our mission is to provide care to the world at a moment’s notice, and we are grateful to be asked to participate in this worthwhile cause. Caring for our communities, including Rochester and Buffalo, is about providing quality and compassionate emergency medical service, and giving back to those communities and communities in need around the world.”
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.”
Felipe Hernandez Jr., chief of the Rochester Fire Department said: “We sympathize with the peoples of all nationalities impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. This donation of protective equipment will hopefully make a difference in keeping people safe during this tragedy.”
Participating fire departments and ambulance services include: City of Rochester Fire Department, Gates Fire Department, Gates Volunteer Ambulance, Hilton Fire Department, Monroe County Airport Fire Department, West Webster Fire Department, Penfield Fire Department, Churchville 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. I want to thank Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo for immediately stepping up to offer all of the county’s DMV locations as donation centers.”
Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo said: "As a mother, I am simply appalled at the violence committed against the Ukrainian people, including innocent civilians, such evil has no place in our world. Yet I have seen the generosity, warmth, and kindness of our Monroe County family as we have embraced our Ukrainian sisters and brothers. I know together we will continue to lift them up in the difficult days, weeks, months, and years ahead.”
Bins to collect community donations will be at the County Office Building, 39 W. Main Street, 14614 and the following DMV locations:
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Rochester, 200 E. Main Street, 14604
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Greece, 152 Greece Ridge Center Drive, 14626
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Henrietta, 2199 E. Henrietta Road, 14623
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Irondequoit, 545 Titus Ave., 14617
