Dayton detective, Miami Valley generosity helps family from Ukraine move to area

DAYTON — Relaxation in a safe space after war tore parts of their country and lives apart.

A member of the Dayton Police Department is looking to help a fellow officer and his family in Ukraine who wants to make the Miami Valley their new home.

There will be a lot emotions for Dayton’s newest neighbors to unpack, but they won’t have too many possessions to unload.

“They’re coming here with the money they have from selling items and suitcases, that’s it,” Detective Rod Roberts with Dayton Police Department said.

Not for long though, when they get to Dayton they will immediately move into their fully furnished apartment.

“When they land, they’ll be able to sleep in their own beds,” Roberts said.

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In 2015, Roberts went to Ukraine to train with officers there. He has stayed connected with one, Andrii Levdokymenko all these years later.

“He’s a fun guy, just a jokester... good, good guy,” Roberts recalled.

When Russia invaded Kyiv Andrii, Alisa Egorova and their three young boys fled to Poland.

When things did not go well there they decided to move to the United States. Roberts convinced them Dayton should be their new home.

Levdokymenko asked Roberts for help finding an apartment, but he did more than just that.

Roberts put down the money for first month’s rent and the security deposit for a two bedroom apartment.

“I’m excited to see them see this apartment and walk in there and just know that they’re safe,” Roberts said.

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Safe and set up thanks to Miami Valley generosity — Robert asked for donations for the family’s new apartment.

“It went crazy. We’ve had almost all the furnishings committed in like 40 minutes,” Roberts said.

Daytonians had some advice for their new neighbors.

“I know it’s going to be a little scared at first, but once you get used to it and become familiar with the area, I’m pretty sure they’re going to love it,” Grace Doiron of Dayton said.

“Try to come make yourself at home and just try to get a glimpse of what Dayton is about,” Derick Wilson of Dayton said.

While they had to leave all the things they love in Ukraine, they already have people who love them here in the U.S.

“Every time we talk they cry ... they don’t know how to say thank you enough ... and I said well that’s what we do here,” Roberts said.

Roberts said both Levdokymenko and Egorova want to start working as soon as possible to support themselves.

In the meantime, he has set up a fund at the Firefighters and Company Federal Credit Union at 338 South Patterson Boulevard under “Alisa and Andrii – Ukrainian Family Fund.”

Roberts goal is to get them enough money so they can buy a car to get around.

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