In Kryvyi Rih, five residents were awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of the City", two of them posthumously

On the occasion of the 248th anniversary of the city of Kryvyi Rih, five residents of Kryvyi Rih were awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of the City of Kryvyi Rih." This decision was made by the city council during the May plenary session. Unfortunately, two of the recipients were awarded this title posthumously. This information was provided by the Kryvyi Rih City Council.

The title "Honorary Citizen of the City of Kryvyi Rih" was conferred upon two local heroes posthumously:

1. **Inna Mykolaivna Derusova**: Inna Derusova, born in Kryvyi Rih, was a trained nurse who had graduated from the Kryvyi Rih Medical School and Ternopil National Pedagogical University named after Volodymyr Hnatiuk. She initially worked as a medical nurse in a kindergarten but, with the onset of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), Inna joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces and served as a combat medic. She achieved the rank of sergeant in the medical service. Inna Derusova courageously performed her duties, providing medical aid to soldiers, and even took part in battles for Ukrainian cities. She served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces for seven years and was highly regarded by the soldiers she saved. She saved over ten servicemembers, often risking her own life. Unfortunately, she lost her life on February 26, 2022, due to artillery shelling by Russian forces in the Sumy region while providing assistance to wounded soldiers. Inna Derusova was buried on the Alley of Glory at the Central Cemetery in Kryvyi Rih. She became the first woman to receive the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.

2. **Viktor Yaroslavovych Ozerklevych**: Viktor Ozerklevych was born in Bolhrad, Odesa region. He graduated from the Kryvyi Rih National University and the National Academy of Ground Forces named after Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi. Viktor participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in eastern Ukraine, defending the country's sovereignty and independence. He served as a captain and deputy commander of a mechanized battalion. Viktor Ozerklevych was a professional military officer and an outstanding leader. He was highly respected by his fellow servicemembers and was known for his sincerity, courage, and ability to support and encourage others in challenging situations. He made an active contribution to the battles and also demonstrated his leadership qualities. Viktor Ozerklevych lost his life on April 6, 2022, while performing his combat mission in the Luhansk region. He was awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine" posthumously. A street in Kryvyi Rih was renamed in his honor in 2022.

In addition to the posthumous awards, the title "Honorary Citizen of the City of Kryvyi Rih" was also conferred upon two other local heroes who had received the state award "Hero of Ukraine": Oleg Petrovych Hrudzevych and Serhiy Oleksandrovych Starchenko. Furthermore, the well-known Kryvyi Rih artist Mykola Petrovych Riabokon was granted the same title.