COLUMBUS, Ohio— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Public Safety will begin collecting personal protective gear to donate to members of the Ukraine civilian territorial defense.
Back in March, DeWine requested an inventory of personal protective gear that could be donated to Ukraine. According to the Governor’s Office, more than two dozen agencies responded offering nearly 75 ballistic and riot helmets and close to 900 pieces of body armor.
“As Russia continues its unprovoked attack on Ukraine, citizens are stepping up to defend their country with little more protection than the clothes on their backs, and I am grateful to the Ohio law enforcement agencies that didn’t hesitate to offer their unneeded gear,” said Governor DeWine.
“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. If any other law enforcement agencies have unneeded protective gear, there is still time to take part in this important statewide donation effort.”
Officials say Ohio’s donations will be coordinated by the Fund to Aid Ukraine, a non-profit organization based in Parma.
“We express our gratitude to Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and the law enforcement community,” said Marta Liscynesky Kelleher, President of United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio. “This quick response is meaningful and essential to the people of Ukraine fighting each day to defend their country, their freedom, and democratic principles against the brutal and unprovoked invasion by Russia. We appreciate Governor DeWine’s leadership in this effort, which can serve as a model for other states to take on similar initiatives.”
Law enforcement agencies will be contacted by the Ohio Highway Patrol with instructions on where to locally drop off their equipment.