FDL Fire Department Entertains Visit From Ukraine Officials

Two officials from the Ukraine visited Appleton and Fond du Lac on a fact finding mission Wednesday. But it had nothing to do with the political unrest in that country. The two from Kiev, Ukraine, Vitaliy Kopaniza and Alexander Kozubenko, are senior fire officials with the Ukraine International Airport. After touring the Pierce Manufacturing plant in Appleton they wanted to look at fire equipment and facilities to see what a typical fire station is like in North America. Fond du Lac Fire Chief Peter O’Leary says the two were impressed with the technology and equipment they use.

O’Leary says those visiting officials returned the favor by inviting Fond du Lac firefighters to visit them sometime in their country. O’Leary says their visitors seemed to feel comfortable in the fire station. They were also presented with keys to the city by City Manager Joe Moore. Pierce officials also planned to take the two to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to see how Pierce equipment is used there. Fond du Lac Fire Department photo.