Under Fire: The Rescuer Who Shielded His Unit From a Drone and Averted a Gas-Station Blast

Unarmed Heroes

According to ДСНС: Ukraine's State Emergency Service personnel work under constant shelling and drone threats, often performing life-saving tasks usually associated with combat medics. Dmytro Chepurin has served with the State Emergency Service in the Dnipropetrovsk region since 2015, spending his career on the front line of disaster response. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, his job has expanded far beyond standard rescue work: he saves lives while navigating a reality where repeat strikes, FPV drone attacks, and missile launches are routine dangers.

In 2025, Chepurin faced a moment of exceptional bravery. While responding to an emergency call, his team came into the crosshairs of a Russian FPV drone. He didn't hesitate. He sprinted toward the fire truck's driver, who was trying to move the vehicle to a safer spot. A munition dropped from the drone exploded right next to them. Thanks to Chepurin's swift move, the entire crew survived.

Rescue Work Beyond Working Hours

His heroics didn't end there. Off duty, Chepurin remains actively involved in rescue efforts. On one occasion, he went to the site where an FPV drone had hit a truck near a fuel station. Working alongside the driver, he dragged the burning vehicle to a safe distance, stopping a chain reaction that could have caused a massive explosion. He has also provided pre-medical care to people wounded by a strike on a train-applying tourniquets, stopping bleeds, and dressing wounds until paramedics arrived.

Chepurin is not just a professional; he is also a devoted family man. He lives with his wife and their son, who dreams of following in his father's footsteps. Chepurin reflects on his vocation:

'You cannot be a rescuer on a schedule. You are a rescuer always-on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and even on your own birthday.'

He also says:

'One person alone cannot accomplish much in the field. Your crew is your family. Only together can you make a difference.'

For his courageous actions, Chepurin has received the President of Ukraine's 'For the Defense of Ukraine' award and the State Emergency Service's 'Sign of Honor' badge. His dedication and willingness to risk everything to save others in wartime set an inspiring example.

Chepurin's story highlights how dangerous the work of civilian rescuers becomes in war. Saving lives is no longer just about fires and accidents-it's about navigating bombs, drones, and missiles. His bravery reminds us that even in the darkest times, courage and compassion can endure, giving society the strength to keep going.

Chepurin’s dedication to rescue work mirrors the efforts of other brave individuals in Ukraine, such as a rescuer in Kyiv who saved two lives after a missile strike. Both embody the unwavering spirit of those who risk everything to protect others amidst the chaos of war. To learn more about this remarkable act of heroism, read about how he fought for his country and continued to serve even in the face of danger. Discover his story here.