Over 20 firefighters gathered on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Fairfield Regional Fire School to pack donated boxes of firefighting and medical supplies they gathered from around the state, and loaded them onto 11 full pallets to be shipped over to Ukraine by Ukraine Aid International. Ukraine Aid International was started by brothers and Westport natives, Marshall and Brian Mayer, forming sister city alliances throughout Connecticut, including in Easton, and across United States, since the occupation of Ukraine in February of 2022.
The effort was led by Nataliia Cherep, UAI Development Coordinator; Alison Piper, UAI Project Manager; Fairfield Assistant Fire Chiefs Schuyler Sherwood and Pat Barry; School Program Coordinator, Denise Sherwood; and 20 plus Fairfield Firefighters.
“We are happy to provide items that first responders in Ukraine need, knowing what Ukrainian citizens and those on the front line are experiencing on a daily basis.,” said Assistant Chief Sherwood, who is a longtime Easton resident.
The teamwork, expediency and enthusiasm with which they packed the boxes, took inventory, stacked pallets and shrink-wrapped them in preparation for shipping, were both impressive and inspiring. It warmed my heart and gave me hope that there is still a great deal of kindness in our current world. I also received a few history lessons about the Fairfield Fire Department from Schuyler and Pat, both long-time Easton residents, who showed me pictures of the “Fairfield Hook and Ladder,” dating back to the early 19th century. I pulled up a few of my own pics on my phone from the 1950s of my late father-in-law, mother-in-law and uncle at the Fairfield Hook and Ladder Anniversary dinner. Pat Barry spotted his father in the photo.
Pat also showed me a copy of a write-up about the Fairfield Fire Department featured in a 1950s Saturday Evening Post, with an illustration of the old firehouse on the cover, by famous local artist Stephen Dohanos.
What I took away from this very rewarding day was witnessing the power of people coming together, helping others halfway across the globe, that they’ve never even met before, which is the very definition of humanity, kindness and compassion. I was honored to be a small part of this fundraiser between Ukraine Aid International and Fairfield Fire Department. Thanks to all of the generous donations from fire houses throughout Connecticut. There’s not much of a more noble profession than putting oneself in harm’s way to protect others as firefighters and first responders do on a daily basis.
To learn more about Ukraine Aid International, please visit: https://www.ukraineaidinternational.org.
