LAC LA BICHE - The Lac La Biche County Fire Department was recognized for donating much-needed equipment to support Ukrainian fire departments this past spring.
At an event held on Dec. 1 in Edmonton hosted by non-profit Firefighter Aid Ukraine, the local department among roughly 25 other municipal departments, donors and businesses who have helped Ukrainian fire departments impacted by the ongoing invasion led by Russian forces that began last February, were recognized by the organization.
“As firefighters, we like to help, so being able to donate during this time of need is a good thing… it was an honour,” said Leah Larocque, one of the Lac La Biche firefighters who accepted the award on behalf of the department.
The local department donated decommissioned hoses, medical supplies, trench/collapse stabilization equipment, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) packs, and more.
“We are very fortunate to have been able to donate the supplies we did,” said Larocque.
Increase in offerings
Firefighter Aid Ukraine receives donations and support from across Alberta and Canada. The organization began operating in 2014 and has established volunteers in over 10 Ukrainian cities.
The organization initially saw an increase in donations since conflict began last winter, but that support has been declining recently, said Kevin Royle, the organization’s project director.
“The response was quite large in the beginning, it is dwindling… which is to be expected,” with factors including the longevity of the war, inflation and economic impacts happening in Canada, he acknowledged.
“People just have less to give, but the support is still there,” which is encouraging, he explained.
Since the organization began, over 209 tonnes of gear have been delivered to Ukraine, an increase from the original 140 tonnes collected in recent years, added Royle.
“Primarily, we send firefighters PPE, rescue tools, medical supplies, surgical instruments, hospital equipment, and diagnostic equipment, pretty much anything to do for first responders.”
Lac La Biche fire department steps up
With organizations like the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) recognized for storing and delivering cargo to Ukraine to be distributed to different communities, Royle adds that the Lac La Biche County Fire Department also played a crucial role.
“The equipment that the community donated was very specialized. It was building collapse stabilization equipment, but also they reached out to neighbouring departments. They really acted as an amazing consolidation point for northern Alberta communities to consolidate," helping get the goods to Edmonton.
Larocque says being able to assist people in need is what being a firefighter is all about.
“I think we are united as firefighters everywhere. We're all a team no matter what. It’s like family. You're there for each other. So, to be able to help out is great,” she said, adding, the award is encouraging the department to continue to give back.
Continued support
The non-profit organization continues to use its support networks and donors to deliver life-saving equipment to Ukraine. In the coming months, they are working on expanding educational and training opportunities for service members on the front lines in Ukraine, said Royle.
“In January, we’re sending over two medics to teach tactical, causality and combat care training,” along with several seminars for first responders to gain skills to support those in need.
The response received from those accepting the gear has been “extremely appreciative.”
“Every flashlight, every specialty rescue equipment is so desperately needed and really, really appreciated by the people there,” said Royle.
