Wilkes-Barre City Mayor George C. Brown Presented with Award from Ukraine

Today, Mayor George C. Brown was presented with an award from the Ukraine in recognition of the city’s donations to first responders in the Chernihiv Region of Ukraine.

Beginning in April 2022, the City of Wilkes-Barre donated 13 self-contained breathing apparatuses, 60 self-contained breathing apparatus air cylinders, 36 portable radios, three sets of fire turnout gear and 12 fire helmets. In May 2022, 17,000 surplus 3M Cool Flow 8511 N95 masks were donated to the Ukraine. The masks had been donated to Wilkes-Barre and could not be used by first responders and employees as personal protection against COVID-19, but they were useful to protect the Ukrainian first responders from breathing in dust and other substances when inspecting demolished building and searching for survivors of the conflict.

The city also arranged shipment of clothing and diaper donations collected by the Fire Department and Firwood United Methodist Church in South Wilkes-Barre.

Mayor Brown said, “It was an honor to be recognized by the country of Ukraine for the city’s donations and support of the first responders who are facing unimaginable conditions with incredible courage.”

Photographed (left to right): Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown, Ivan Doboni, Vasiliy Doboni, Mike Meshko, Vasyl Sharkado, Ivan Khrypta, and Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney.