Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025"
in the Nomination "Rescuer of the Year" Valerii Hryhoriev
Valerii Hryhoriev grew up in the picturesque city of Sviatohirsk—a place where mountains and forests merge in a unique harmony of nature. His childhood was filled with dreams of a great and meaningful life, of helping people and serving his country. However, life tests the bravest: in his youth, Valerii lost his father, and he took on the burden of this loss and difficult family circumstances. These challenges made him strong and persistent, teaching him to value every moment and every person who needs help.
The first step on his path to service was becoming an assistant locomotive machinist at Krasnyi Lyman Vocational School No. 118. This was his first experience with discipline, precision, and responsibility, which later became the foundation of his service as a rescuer.
In 2012–2013, Valerii served his mandatory military service in the tank forces of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade in the city of Bila Tserkva, where he was a tank commander. There, he gained invaluable experience in resilience, determination, and dedication—qualities that became his constant companions in life.
Since 2018, Valerii has dedicated himself to serving in the State Emergency Service. He started as a firefighter-rescuer, and in 2023, his professionalism and humanity earned him a promotion—he became a detachment commander. His team fights fires daily, rescues people from under rubble, and helps victims in the hottest spots of the Donetsk region. This path became especially difficult during the war, when Valerii goes to complex fires in combat zones—there, in the flames and smoke, he demonstrates true courage and selflessness.
In 2024, Chief Master Sergeant of the Civil Protection Service, Valerii Hryhoriev, was awarded a commendation from the commander of the "Luhansk" Operational and Tactical Group.
But his service is not just a professional duty. It is a part of his life, his soul. His life motto is to be on the side of good and love, to care for his family and for everyone around him.
Family is Valerii's greatest value. He has a son and a daughter whom he loves dearly and for whom he dreams of building a happy, peaceful future. The family now lives in the city of Oleksandriia, but their thoughts and hearts are always with Sviatohirsk, with their native land, which is defended by their father, son, and uncle.
"My life is guided by love and responsibility," says Valerii. "I love my family, my country, and I try to help every person who needs help. My mission is to protect, support, and love."
Valerii Hryhoriev is a Ukrainian who combines the strength of a warrior with a desire for a peaceful life. His path is the path of a person who overcomes difficulties and fights for the dignity of everyone.