State's sheriffs start collections for Ukraine

Sheriffs across Washington have started a campaign to collect material and equipment that can support police in beseiged Ukraine, Wahkiakum County Sheriff Mark Howie announced this week.

Sheriff department and retired Washington State Patrol officers have identified specific ways that agencies in your communities can assist Ukraine and help provide medical supplies and other equipment.

Retired Mabton Chief Raul Almeida has worked with the Ukrainian Police as an international trainer and has communicated with his contacts in the Ukraine about their immediate needs. Sheriff Tom Croskrey from Benton County is working with Chief Almeida. Here are options for assistance:

--Financial contributions can be made through this link: https://helpahero.com/campaign/ukrainian-police-fund-critical-supply-needs.

Checks will also be accepted when sent to the Washington State FOP, Attn: Ukraine Fund, 2839 W. Kennewick Ave. #356, Kennewick, WA 99336. People can send letters of support to Ukrainian police via the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Helping Ukraine, 7122 W. Okanogan Pl. #A120, Kennewick, WA, 99336.

--Medical supplies and warm clothing: The Benton Co. Sheriff’s Office is joining a nationwide effort being led by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is the state donation staging area for donations for Ukrainian officers. The sheriff’s office is giving people several ways to make donations, including North American Rescue Trauma Kits ($78.98) which include emergency items such as tourniquets, gloves and bandages. Items can be sent to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Helping Ukraine, 7122 W. Okanogan Pl. #A120, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Donors also can purchase items through the Amazon list. Items will be sent directly to the Tennessee staging area, where they will be sorted and placed on pallets to be shipped to Ukraine. Cargo flights are being arranged to transport donations to locations in Europe and then delivered to the National Police of Ukraine.