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Ukrainian children arrive in Palm Coast, get special gift from sheriff’s office

PALM COAST, Fla. — Two children who recently fled worn-torn Ukraine with their mothers received a welcome gift.

Timur and Masha arrived in Palm Coast a few weeks ago with nothing but a couple of suitcases. Their fathers stayed behind to fight for their country.

Sheriff Staly and Joe Golan (also known as “the Bike Man”) surprised Timur, Masha, and both their moms with bicycles. Golan said he was contacted by Sheriff Staly about the kids’ upcoming arrival and wanted to help.

In addition, Sheriff Staly told the family he would be donating bullet-resistant vests and helmets to the Ukrainian military. He said the vests are out of warranty and can’t be reissued to Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies but are still usable.

FCSO says it shipped 21 vests and 11 helmets last week after the National Sheriff’s Association sent out a plea to sheriff’s offices across the country to provide surplus vests and helmets to the Ukrainian military.

“Getting to see the looks on Timur and Masha’s faces when they received their bikes was just priceless. They’ve been through so much the past few months and they are still in good spirits,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “As for the vests FCSO is donating, I’m glad to be able to help and show support in any way we can. The process to destroy out-of-warranty protective vests is complicated so I’m glad we are able to donate them to a useful cause.”

Sheriff Staly’s life was saved early in his career when a vest he was wearing stopped a bullet to his chest, so he says he knows first-hand how important a vest can be.

The vests are expected to reach Ukraine in a couple of weeks.

The Bike Men of Flagler County take bicycles or bicycle parts in any condition and recondition them for a new chance to bring joy to a child. To learn more click here.


Samantha Mathers

Samantha Mathers, Action News Jax

Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax.