UC Police donate equipment for use in Ukraine

When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reached out to Ohio law enforcement agencies to ask for personal protective gear to send to the Ukraine civilian territorial defense, the University of Cincinnati Public Safety Department was eager to respond.

Governor DeWine recently announced the agencies that UC Public Safety was among those whose donation meets a need validated by the United States European Combatant Command. The agency will be donating 36 ballistic vests, along with a few other items, that the department is no longer able to use.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to support the people of Ukraine by donating these materials,” said UC Police Assistant Chief Dudley Smith. “This is an important effort by the state of Ohio, and we are pleased to be able to participate.”

In addition to UC Public Safety, more than two dozen other agencies in Ohio responded to the governor’s request, offering approximately 75 ballistic helmets and 840 pieces of body armor, including vests and plates.

"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 in his announcement. "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.”