A former York fire watch manager who travelled to Ukraine to help firefighters there has been forced to return home.
Bruce Reid, who has more than 30 years’ firefighting experience, got in touch with the Ukrainian Embassy to see if his skills could be put to use. At first it appeared they were very keen to have him so he booked a flight and ended up on the border with Poland this week.
But things have not gone to plan as he says he was in danger of getting involved in fighting Russians rather than fires which was not the purpose of his mission.
You can listen to Bruce explaining what happened on the border here in this YorkMix Radio clip with David Dunning
One thing that didn’t feel right for him was the need to sign waivers and disclaimers – and the fact that he was being asked to give up his passport too.
Writing on his social media accounts Bruce, who lives in Knaresborough, said: “Bit of an anti climax following all of the furore getting here.
“I eventually got to the rendezvous point on the border and after spending the night on a hotel foyer floor I was told this afternoon I would have to sign a disclaimer and make my own way 30 miles into Ukraine to Yavoriv military base where I would be taught to fight.
“That was never what I came for. On the flip side my family are very relieved, especially my 10 year old granddaughter, that I will be coming back in one piece.
“I’m looking at other things I could help with but will back sooner than I thought.
“Thanks to everyone for all your messages of support I’ve been humbled by them.”
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