April 16, 2016 … The National Fire Service Day was recently observed at the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Fire Force Headquarters, St. Inez, Panaji .
Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Chief Secretary, Shri. R. K. Srivastava, IAS was the Guest of Honour. MLA and Chairman of EDC Shri Siddharth Kunkolenkar was also present.
The Chief Minister reviewed the parade presented to mark the occasion.
The day was observed by paying homage to Firemen Martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the course of duty, followed by a Fire Prevention Week from 14th to 20th April’ 2016 to raise the public Fire Safety Awareness. Wreaths were placed on the Firemen Martyrs’ Column by all Chief Minister Shri Parsekar, Chief Secretary Shri R. K. Srivastava and ranks of the Fire Service Personnel.
The theme for the year 2016 is “Prevent Fire Accident-Promote Nations Development”.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said that the National Fire service day reminds us of the brave fire fighting personnel, who have always risked their lives in saving the lives of people falling victims not only to fire related accidents but other disasters.
Referring to the Kollam temple fire tragedy, the Chief Minister said that there is need for us to raise our level of awareness towards accidents and thereby inculcating a sense of alertness so as to curb and avoid fire accidents such as these. The theme of this years Fire prevention week, Prevent Fire Accident-Promote Nation’s Development” will be a step towards achieving this objective.
The Chief Minster lauded the intensive campaigning on “Safer School Safer India” programme which he said will help enhancing the awareness level of Primary School Children and through them the families on Safety Culture.
The Chief Minister paid his respects to all firemen martyrs who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
As a part of raising the Fire Safety Awareness in the Primary Schools in the State of Goa the “Safer School Safer India” Programme was unveiled at the hands of Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar last year. This is a joint initiative of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Directorate of Education (State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)) and Underwriter Laboratories (India). The concept of Safer School Safer India envisages an intention to built a Safer India, to safe guard children and teach them how to stay safe.
Commendation Certificates to the Fire Personnel and Prizes to the participant of Poster Competition were awarded at the hands of Chief Minister of Goa on the occasion.
A Live Demonstration of Fire Fighting, Urban Search and Rescue, Medical First Responders, Life Rescue from 32 meters Aerial Ladder Platform, Display of Newly Commissioned Emergency Rescue Tender and Display of Mallakhamb Exercises were organized for the public on the occasion. An exhibition of fire fighting and disaster emergency equipment were displayed for the public.
Addl. Secretary (Home) Shri Sanjiv Gadkar and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Richard D’Souza also attended the function.
Earlier Director of Fire and Emergency Services Shri Ashok Menon , welcomed while Deputy Director Shri Nitin Raikar proposed a vote of thanks. Shri Shripad Gawas compered the function.
