The Annual Commendation Award Presentation ceremony was held by the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services at the Institute Menezes Braganza Conference Hall at Panaji on 29th May 2020 at 11:00 hrs. wherein 99 fire personnel of various Fire Stations across the State of Goa were awarded Commendation in various categories of recognition such as Major Rescue operation during flood in August 2019, Exemplary performance in the field of Fire Fighting & Rescue Operation, Outstanding Performance and Extreme Devotion to duties and Best Vehicle maintenance during the year 2019-20. Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister was the Chief Guest for the Award Ceremony. The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Goa in his speech applauded the efforts of the fire personnel as the frontline warriors in sanitization of various places in the going Covid 19 Pandemic crisis and congratulated all the awardees. He also mentioned that the Society expects good work from the Fire Personnel by virtue of this award not only in their future tenure but also after retirement as a responsible Citizen. Shri. Ashok Menon, Director, Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services in his welcome address said that It has been the practice of the Department to award Commendation Certificates to the Administrative and Operational staff for maintaining exceptional standard of performance on the occasion of National Fire Service Day 14th April every year. On account of the higher priority duties connected with the Covid-19 crises, the National Fire Service Day celebration was reduced to the bare minimum, limiting it to paying homage to the martyrs. Since the commendations play an important role in maintaining the staff morale and encouraging sustained good performance, it is felt necessary that the commendation Awards to be given away on the first available opportunity. Since the year 2006 till date 35 nos. Fire Personnel have been awarded Chief Ministers Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Services, 13 nos. Fire Personnel have been awarded Chief Ministers Fire Service Medal for Gallantry, 35 nos. Fire Personnel have been awarded Home Ministers Gallantry Medal, 16 nos. Fire Personnel have been awarded Presidents Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Services, 372 nos. Fire Personnel have been awarded Cash Awards and 135 nos. Fire Personnel have been awarded Commendation Certificates in the various categories. Total 705 Fire Personnel have been awarded in the last 14 years. Shri. Ashok Menon, Director, Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services welcomed the gathering and Shri. Ajit Kamat, Asst. Divisional Officer (Offg.), North Zone compered the function and proposed the Vote of Thanks.