SAN JOSÉ, CA - Today, San José Mayor Sam Liccardo, joined by San José Fire Assistant Fire Chief James A. Williams, Firefighter Aid Ukraine Vice President Aaron Hindle, and Nova Ukraine Co-Chairman of the Board Nick Bilogorskiy, announced the San José Fire Department’s donation of hundreds of self-contained breathing apparatus and air regulator masks, worth more than $1 million, to Nova Ukraine and Firefighter Aid Ukraine. The relief organizations will distribute the life-saving equipment to first responders in Ukrainian cities. The equipment being donated includes self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that provides firefighters breathable air and protects them against toxic, life-threatening smoke, along with:
“Providing first responders in Ukraine with life-saving equipment is a concrete action we are honored to carry out to support Ukrainian communities,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “We provide this aid in solidarity with Ukraine and in support of the first responders working fervently to save Ukrainian lives in cities under assault.” The relief organization Nova Ukraine will distribute the donated materials across Ukraine, supporting the firefighters who are currently putting out hundreds of fires every day. “The San José Fire Department is extremely grateful to provide this safety equipment to Ukrainian firefighters who are working so hard to save lives and protect their community every day,” said Robert Sapien, Chief of San José Fire Department. “I’m grateful for the support of Mayor Liccardo and the City Council as we work to connect this life-saving equipment to first responders in Ukraine through our partnership with Nova Ukraine.” Nova Ukraine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and raising awareness about Ukraine in the United States and throughout the world. Since the war began the nonprofit has distributed $22.5 million, with a majority of spending devoted to life-saving medical aid. “It's been a pleasure working with SJFD and Firefighters Aid Ukraine to coordinate this shipment. These supplies will be delivered to Ukraine with the help of our freight forwarder Flexport, and their impact arm Flexport.org, where they will be used to save lives. Unfortunately, the war continues. Nova Ukraine is committed to continuing to send supplies for as long as necessary,” said Michael Khain, Operations Manager for Nova Ukraine. “On behalf of Nova Ukraine and the people of Ukraine, we want to thank SJFD for such a generous donation. It is very encouraging that people located over 6000 miles away are doing so much for Ukraine. We are together, and we will win.” Established in 2014, Firefighter Aid Ukraine has spent nearly a decade working with the State Emergency Services and volunteer brigades in Ukraine, building strong relationships in Ukrainian cities, and to date has delivered over 140 tons of life rescue and health care aid. To donate resources to aide Ukraine:
### About the City of San José With more than one million residents, San José comprises the 10th largest city in the United States, and one of its most diverse cities. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.
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