Old aerial ladder platform donated to help communities in Ukraine

We are supporting in Ukraine by donating our old aerial ladder platform (ALP).  

By the end of April 2024, we’re hoping to donate the vehicle, to help those most in need.

It follows a request from the Home Office through the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) for all fire and rescue services in the UK to support and provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

This would be the first vehicle Staffordshire donate to Ukraine, with 89 vehicles having already been donated.

This will also form part of the seventh national convoy to head to Ukraine, supported by the UK government.

The ALP is a specialist appliance which can be used to put water onto buildings from above, to assist in rescues from tall buildings or as an observation platform.

After the introduction of our new state-of-the-art ALPs at stations in Longton and Burton, we’re now able to donate the former one and help more people in need.

Whilst the details of the donation are yet to be finalised, it is hoped that the new equipment will be sent on a convoy in April.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Glynn Luznyj said: “We’re proud to be able to provide an ALP to Ukraine alongside our UK fire and rescue service colleagues.

“I’m delighted we’re able to donate the ALP – it’s a really positive move and I hope it will help the people of Ukraine.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Russian attacks in Ukraine are continuing to have a detrimental impact on Ukrainian people, buildings and services. Notably, over 1500 fire vehicles and 388 firehouses have now been destroyed.

“Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have recently invested in two new aerial ladder platform vehicles (ALPs), replacing ALPs that are 19-years-old.

“I’m delighted that one of the old ALPs will now be put to better use and sent to Ukraine to continue its ‘fire and rescue’ purpose and save lives.”