The National Fire Service Day was observed on Sunday 14th April 2024 which was organized by the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer. This year the National Theme for the fire prevention week was.
“Ensure Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building”
“अग्नि सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करें, राष्ट्रीय निर्माण में योगदान दें”
On 14th April 2024, wreaths were laid at the “Martyrs Memorial Column” at the Fire Force Training Ground, Panaji by Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Secretary, Govt. of Goa, Shri. Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Fire & Emergency Services & all the Ranks from Deputy Director (Fire) to Fire Fighter. A signature campaign was undertaken at the training ground as a SVEEP campaign. Two minutes silence was observed by all the Officials present in memory of Firemen Martyrs who laid down their lives while on duty. The Director, Fire & Emergency Services explained the significance of the observance of the National Fire Service Day and read out the names of fireman martyrs who laid down their lives while on duty.
The Chief Guest for the function Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, reviewed the CEREMONIAL PARADE. Commendation Certificates for exemplary performance in the field of Rescue Operation, Good Discipline & General Behavior and Devotion towards Duties alongwith the Best Fire Fighter in good discipline & general behavior were also awarded to the various ranks of the departmental operational fire personnel at the hands of Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Secretary, Govt. of Goa and Shri. Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Fire & Emergency Services.
Shri Nitin V Raiker in his welcome address stated that the National Fire Service Day is followed by Fire Prevention Week from 14th till 20th April 2024. The theme for this year is “Ensure Fire Safety, Contribute towards Nation Building”. During the Fire Prevention Week, various Fire Safety awareness programme have been arranged for the public in the State of Goa. The public are requested to acquire knowledge through this awareness programme so that they can help the people in saving life and property of the Country. Further in his speech Shri. Raiker informed that inspite of all the precautions, fire incidents do occur, either through human error or through accident. During the period 2023-24, the Fire & Emergency Services have collectively attended 8000 Fire & Emergency Calls (3000 Fire and 5000 Emergency) during which 194 human lives and 757 Animal lives were saved. Property worth of Rs.179 Crores has been saved due to timely action of the Fire Personnel. As a part of this awareness campaign, a Poster Competition was organized by the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer for the Primary and Middle School Children of the State on 06th April 2024 wherein a total of 2000 students from schools all over the state participated in the Poster Competition. The Competition was divided into two groups, Group-I (7-10 years) – Topic: “Fire Friend & Fire Foe” and Group-II (11-14 years) – Topic: “Environmental Hazard due to Fire”. Prizes were awarded to those students who stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Poster Competition in both Groups on 14th April 2024, National Fire Service Day, at the hands of Shri Sanjit Rodrigues.
Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, in his speech joined the Fire Professionals in paying homage to the Martyrs of this noble profession in India who have laid down their lives in their mission to save other lives. Their dedication to duty will inspire generations of Citizens. He further stated that the Nation and our State have been making steady progress on the Economic and Social Development Front. Unfortunately, Fire takes a toll on these gains we make. Lives, which could have continued to contribute to the growth, are lost. Properties worth Crores of Rupees are lost. For this reason, it is noteworthy that the country has decided to focus on preventing Fires to protect the development we achieve. He stressed that there is a need to ensure that this year’s national Fire Service Day theme message reaches all the citizens. He lauded the efforts of all the fire personnel and commended the Department for their disciplined and effective services to the State.
Further Pledge was also administered “Noting like Voting, I Vote for Sure” by the dignitaries, fire officials and other attendees present at the function.
The Department had organized Live demonstrations of Fire Fighting and Rescue operation for the public and displayed the exhibition of various equipment’s related to Fire Fighting, Search & Rescue, Swift Water/Flood Rescue, Medical First Responder (MFR), Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) and Lighting Equipment’s for the general public at the Goa State Fire Force Training Ground.
Shri Ajit K. Kamat, Asst. Divisional Officer, Fire Force Headquarters compered the function & proposed the Vote of Thanks.
