CLEVELAND — Cleveland City Council unanimously passed legislation on Monday calling for the donation of 200 of its ballistic vests and various non-controlled medications to be used for humanitarian aid and rescue efforts in Ukraine.
In a release, the city says the vests and medications are no longer needed locally and will be donated through the Ohio National Guard.
“I want to thank Mayor Justin M. Bibb, his staff and the police chief,” said Councilman Mike Polensek in a statement. “And I want to thank Council President Blaine A. Griffin for moving this legislation under suspension.” The emergency resolution was introduced and passed “under suspension” in its first reading.
The donation by Cleveland City Council and Mayor Bibb is similar to actions taken last month by Cuyahoga County Council in support of Ukraine. In that resolution, the county provided roughly 20 ballistic vests, 18 helmets, and extra rifle plates for vests to the Ukraine military.
“The City is grateful to have the opportunity to do anything that might make a difference for Ukrainians in this horrific situation,” Mayor Bibb said in a statement. “Thank you to Councilman Polensek for his leadership, to the Council President, the police department and the community leaders involved in making this donation possible.”
On Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the state will collect hundreds of donated helmets, protective vests and other surplus police equipment for the civilian defense of Ukraine.
Distribution of the equipment will be coordinated by the Fund to Aid Ukraine, a nonprofit organization based in Parma. More than two dozen law enforcement agencies have offered approximately 75 ballistic and riot helmets and 840 pieces of body armor, including vests and plates, said DeWine, who requested an inventory of such surplus.
“Anything we can do to be helpful to Ukrainian citizens who are fleeing for their lives from Russian invaders,” said Councilman Polensek. “The world cannot just sit and watch the atrocities and war crimes broadcast daily out of Ukraine. Every nation, state and city must come together to stop this carnage.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story
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