Unbreakable Stories: Vladislav Hornod — Police Explosive Engineer
Since his student years, Vladislav Hornod has sought to help people. Therefore, after graduating from the university, he joined the law enforcement agencies. Over time, the man became interested in the explosives service. Explains that this is exactly the job that protects people from dangerous objects.
After the full-scale invasion, together with his colleagues, he worked in the de-occupied territories, where he participated in mining.
He says that before the full-scale war he participated in many competitions, won the championship of Ukraine, Europe and the world. But the most important thing for Vladislav was the victory at the ICO-Combatant World Championship in October 2022.
“The championship was held in Hungary already during the full-scale invasion. Went to the competition during the rotation. Prepared between mine trips. But that didn't stop me from getting my dream win. I am proud that I was able to demonstrate that in such a difficult time the honor of our country can be defended not only on the battlefield, but also on the sports arena,” the veteran emphasizes.
Recalling the first months after the full-scale invasion, Vladislav notes that what struck him most was how the Ukrainian people rallied together for victory. In his opinion, it is very important that people do not remain indifferent, but help each other.
“The State Award “For Courage” of the 3rd degree is my greatest achievement. I received this award on Police Day from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. It motivates me that my example can inspire other people. When you know that your example is an incentive for others, you set a goal and only go forward,” Vlad shares.
In December 2022, while working in the liberated Kharkiv region, an explosives technician stepped on an anti-personnel mine and received a serious injury, which led to the loss of a limb.
“I underwent rehabilitation in several stages for 5 months. He started in Ukraine and Hungary, and finished rehabilitation and prosthetics in the United States. After rehabilitation, I feel good. I returned to my former life: I work in the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, I help the victims and their families. I also play sports in my free time,” says Vladislav.
He advises all soldiers returning from the front to also set goals and achieve them confidently: “By our example we can show that life after being wounded does not change for the worse. It can only change for the better. The main thing is to have the desire, to set goals for yourself and to pursue them persistently.”
“Vladislav Hornod is a police explosives technician. Bartered the de-occupied territories. During the work in Kharkiv region, he was seriously injured. Now he works in the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, helping victims of war and their families,” the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klymenko wrote about the invulnerable defender on his Telegram channel.
The Minister added that social protection of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, their rehabilitation after injuries are issues that are constantly in the focus of our attention. We care about those who protect the country.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
