Various Ohio law enforcement agencies are donating roughly 2,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to forces in Ukraine.
According to a release from Governor Mike DeWine, more than two dozen state and local law enforcement agencies supplied donations to the effort.
Nonprofit organization the Fund to Aid Ukraine will deliver the donations to the individuals.
“I am so very appreciative to all of the law enforcement agencies that took the time to gather their unneeded equipment and donate it to our friends in Ukraine who are fighting for their lives,” said Governor DeWine. “I also commend the Fund to Aid Ukraine and their partners who have been working to ensure that these donations will go directly to Ukrainian civilians who are bravely standing up to Russia to defend their country and protect their families.”
Specifically, the group will send 71 vest carriers, 45 helmets, and 1,880 pieces of body armor to help Ukrainian forces fighting off Russia’s unprovoked invasion of the country.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has continued to collect the materials for weeks. The final number is higher than DeWine’s initial estimate of “75 ballistic and riot helmets and 840 pieces of body armor, including vests and plates.”
“This is Ohio’s opportunity to provide civilian humanitarian aid to help the innocent Ukrainians who are voluntarily putting their lives at risk on the front lines,” the governor said at the time.
DeWine has remained proactive in attempting to assist Ukraine in various ways since the invasion earlier this year. Not long after the initial move, DeWine ordered a ban on the sale of all Russian-made vodka in stores throughout the state.
In addition to Ohio, Arizona sent thousands of pounds of equipment to the country.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mike DeWine” by Governor Mike DeWine. Background Photo “Ukrainian Army Soldiers” by The U.S. National Archives.
