The 38th Annual Inspection Day Parade of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Goa, was held on 21st February 2026 at the Goa State Fire Force Training Ground, St. Inez, Panaji – Goa. The Inspection Day Parade is an annual institutional exercise aimed at assessing the overall operational readiness, discipline and physical fitness of Fire Service personnel to ensure prompt and effective response during emergencies. Shri Yetindra Maralkar, I.A.S., Secretary (Health), Government of Goa, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Shri Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, inspected the Annual Parade at 7:30 a.m. During the inspection, personnel from various ranks were evaluated and selected for the Best Turn Out Awards based on turnout, bearing and drill precision. Certificates and trophies were presented to the winners of the Drill Competitions and the 13th Annual Sports Meet.
The First Place for the Squad Drill was awarded to Fire Force Headquarters. The Ladder Drill and Tug of War competitions were also won by Fire Force Headquarters, while the Pump Drill was secured by Mapusa Fire Station. The award for Best Station Maintenance was conferred upon Old Goa Fire Station and Best Vehicle Maintenance was awarded to Vasco Fire Station.
A Commendatory Note for Dedication and Devotion to Duty was presented to Shri Shrikrishna R. Parrikar, Station Fire Officer; Shri Sanket Mandrekar, Shri Suchit Sawal, Driver Operators; and Shri Dylan Rodrigues, Shri Suresh Gaonkar, Fire Fighters.
The Best Turn Out Awards were conferred upon Shri Surendra Naik, Station Fire Officer; Shri Dnyaneshwar G. Gawas, Sub Officer; Shri Raju M. Kuttikar, Leading Fire Fighter; Shri Sandeep S. Gaonkar, Shri Dayanand S. Dessai, Driver Operators; and Shri Pradeep S. Gaonkar, Fire Fighter. The Best Platoon Award was presented to Platoon No. 01 led by Shri Santosh Gawas, Station Fire Officer. During the 13th Annual Sports Meet, the Cricket and Volleyball championship was won by North Zone and Football by Central Zone.
In his welcome address, Shri Nitin V. Raiker stated that the Annual Inspection Day Parade serves as a vital platform for reviewing the Department’s operational preparedness, discipline and efficiency. He emphasized that beyond its ceremonial significance, the parade reinforces accountability, institutional discipline and renewed commitment towards safeguarding life, property and the environment.
Highlighting the Department’s performance during the calendar year 2025, he informed that a total of 8,002 Fire and Emergency calls were attended, comprising 2,889 fire incidences and 5,113 emergency incidences. These operations resulted in the saving of 161 human lives and 842 animal lives. He further informed that infrastructure development continues to remain a priority. The Modern Fire Station at Valpoi has recently been inaugurated, and new Fire Stations at Bicholim and Vasco are presently under construction, which will further strengthen emergency response capabilities across the State.
Shri Raiker also underscored the Department’s continued focus on capacity building and community engagement. The Goa State Fire Force Training Centre has been conducting structured training programmes for officers from various States, along with extensive public awareness initiatives. Thousands of citizens, school teachers and Yuva Apada Mitras have been trained in fire safety and disaster preparedness.
He further informed that the Department brought laurels to the State at the All India Fire Service Sports & Fire Service Meet 2026 held at Udaipur, Rajasthan, where 8 out of 15 participants from Goa secured medals, winning 5 Gold, 6 Silver and 9 Bronze medals. He also stated that the Department will soon be integrated with the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), enabling citizens to access Police, Fire and Medical services through a unified emergency helpline, reaffirming the Department’s motto, “We Serve to Save.”
Shri Yetindra Maralkar, I.A.S., Secretary (Health), Government of Goa, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, commended the exemplary discipline and coordination displayed during the March Past and the precision demonstrated in the Ladder Drill. In his address, he lauded the professionalism, dedication and high morale of the Fire & Emergency Services personnel.
He stated that the Fire & Emergency Services plays a critical role in the State’s disaster management framework and are often the first responders during times of crisis. He appreciated the Department’s prompt and effective handling of fire and emergency calls during the past year and acknowledged the significant number of lives saved as a testament to their efficiency and courage.
The Chief Guest also appreciated the achievements of the personnel and congratulated all awardees, urging them to maintain the same spirit of excellence and service. He called upon the Department to continue strengthening public outreach initiatives so that communities remain better prepared to respond to emergencies.
An exhibition of the Ladder Drill was organized during the programme by the Fire Force Headquarters crew, which was executed with remarkable precision within a timing of 1.30 minutes, drawing appreciation from the dignitaries and attendees.
Students of Mustifund High School, Panaji, presented the Welcome Song and Vande Mataram, which added solemnity and grace to the occasion. Their melodious rendition set an auspicious tone for the function and was highly appreciated by the dignitaries
and audience alike.
Shri Shripad Gawas, Divisional Officer, compered the function and proposed the Vote of Thanks.
