Retired Ky. Police Chiefs Help Former Ukrainian trainees

Two retired Kentucky police chiefs are finding ways to help former officer trainees in Ukraine who are facing the Russian invasion.

Mike Ward was Alexandria's police chief for nearly two decades, and Bryan Carter served as Covington police chief for almost three years, WKRC-TV reports. Since retiring, the two have traveled to Ukraine to train officers for the past five years, spending time in rural areas and cities, such as Kyiv.

"What we are feeling is a sense of helplessness because like I said, I was just there three months ago,” Carter said. “And now those communities, if they exist, they probably only have a few people left in them."

The retired chiefs are working together to aid the officers they've trained over the years by funneling donations through the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, which puts the money on Ukrainian debit cards given directly to the officers and their families.

The money will allow the officers to buy basic supplies, as well as items such as sleeping bags and rain gear. So far, 19 Ukrainian police officers have been killed in the fighting, and Ward says that many officers are being thrust into combat with little or no military experience and training.

"They’re used to doing everyday police work,” Ward said. “And now, they've found themselves thrust into combat situation, and they don't have the necessary equipment. We're just cops taking care of cops. I can't imagine the emotions that they're going through."