Oleh V. Herasymov

Oleg Vasilyovych Herasymov was born on March 15, 1972, in the city of Merefa, Kharkiv Oblast. Oleg had the right to retire after more than 30 years of service; however, due to the full-scale invasion of the Russian army into Ukraine, he decided to extend his contract beyond the maximum age limit. He held the position of driver-sapper in the pyrotechnic work department of the humanitarian demining and rapid response unit of the Interregional Center for Humanitarian Demining and Rapid Response of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, which was located in Kharkiv Oblast. With the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, he participated with colleagues in the collection, extraction, and disposal of explosive devices and munitions left after enemy shelling. Tragically, he died on April 16, 2022, near the village of Taraniivka in the Zmiiv territorial community of the Chuhuiv district of Kharkiv Oblast while carrying out the extraction and disposal of explosive devices and munitions that remained after shelling in the city of Kharkiv. Attentive, kind, and prudent, always ready to help—this is how his family and colleagues will forever remember him. According to his colleagues, Oleg was experienced, disciplined, calm, and had a cool and sharp mind: “He was our ‘buhor’ (a term of endearment). He was called that because he was the only one in our unit with such rich experience. And his main trait was composure. Always balanced and calm—after all, the years devoted to the sapper profession had their effect. He knew everything. And whatever question you asked, he would answer, explain, and even later check how well you understood the material. He said that it was important to know the theory, but practice is the best experience.” “It’s rare to find such a balanced, disciplined person as Oleg. There was much to learn from him; he was always open to helping everyone! Given his experience, he knew everything about demining. Moreover, he continued to work in the sapper field beyond the maximum age limit,” noted the chief of the pyrotechnic unit where Oleg worked. Oleg’s family lost a husband, father, grandfather, and brother all at once: “Oleg was the head of our family. He is a worthy example for our sons, for the grandson he adored. A role model for his younger brother, who, following his example, is also serving in the ranks of the State Emergency Service. The whole family felt and continues to feel the loss of our Oleg.” “That day, nothing foreshadowed trouble. Dad went on a business trip as usual and promised to return soon because we came to visit with our grandson, and the little one was waiting for him, knowing that Grandpa would teach him how to ride a bike,” shares memories his son Vladislav. Oleg is survived by his wife, two adult sons, and a grandson. For personal courage and selfless actions displayed in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and loyalty to the military oath, Oleg Vasilyovych Herasymov was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree. Oleg Herasymov was posthumously granted the rank of Junior Lieutenant of the Civil Defense Service.