Veterinary Volunteers in Ukraine to Receive Equipment from Leesburg

Pictured from left to right are: ISELP Director of Marketing and Corporate Development Robert Cohencious; Lt. Bob Thompson; ISELP President Dr. Kent Allen; Mayor Kelly Burk; and ISELP Director of Multimedia Marketing Elizabeth Mamat.

In a show of support for humanitarian efforts abroad, Leesburg has once again taken action to aid those in need. Mayor Kelly Burk and Leesburg Police Lt. Bob Thompson gathered with Worldwide Vets, a nonprofit group, to commemorate the recent decision by the Town Council to donate 17 pieces of surplus police equipment. This donation—12 vests and 5 helmets—will be put to use by volunteer veterinarians working in Ukraine.

The Town Council voted on October 21 to approve the donation after both the Town Attorney and the Chief of Police signed off on the plan. The equipment, while no longer meeting U.S. standards for police use, remains functional and will help protect those providing veterinary care in a conflict zone.

This marks the second time Leesburg has donated surplus police gear for humanitarian causes in Ukraine. In June 2022, the town contributed 80 pieces of equipment to the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology for use by equine workers abroad.

“I’m thrilled that we can donate again to aid in humanitarian efforts,” said Mayor Burk. “We hope this equipment helps keep those working in Ukraine safe while they deliver much-needed care.”