Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Goa, observed National Fire Service Day on Monday, April 14, 2025, with a solemn tribute to martyrs, a ceremonial parade, and the launch of Fire Prevention Week under the national theme: “Unite to Ignite, A Fire Safe India.” The commemorative event took place at the Fire Force Training Ground in Panaji, where wreaths were laid at the Martyrs Memorial Column by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod P. Sawant, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Director of Fire & Emergency Services Shri Nitin V. Raiker, and other senior officials and personnel. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of fire service martyrs, followed by the reading of their names by Shri Raiker.
A ceremonial parade featuring 12 platoons, led by Parade Commander Shri Bosco Ferrao, Assistant Divisional Officer (North Zone, Panaji), demonstrated the discipline and readiness of Goa’s fire services. Chief Minister Dr. Sawant reviewed the parade and presented Commendation Certificates to fire personnel in recognition of their excellence in rescue operations, discipline, and dedicated service.
In his welcome address, Shri Raiker announced that Fire Prevention Week would be observed from April 14 to 20, 2025, with a focus on spreading public awareness about fire safety across the state. He urged citizens to participate in the programs to better protect lives and property.
Highlighting the department’s performance during 2024–25, Shri Raiker noted that the department responded to 9,773 calls—3,147 fire-related and 6,626 emergencies—saving 403 human lives, 815 animal lives, and property worth ₹44.36 crores. He also highlighted various training initiatives, including the Training of Trainers in Basic Fire Safety, the Safer School Safer India initiative, and Disaster Preparedness programs.
As part of the public engagement efforts, a state-level poster competition was held on April 5 for students. A total of 1,652 students participated in two age categories: Group I (7–10 years) under the theme “Flames of Harmony & Destruction” and Group II (11–14 years) with the theme “Be Fire Safety Champion – Protect, Prevent and Prepare.” The winners were felicitated during the event by the Chief Minister.
The occasion also featured live demonstrations of fire-fighting and rescue techniques using advanced equipment, including fire-fighting robots, drones, and tools used in flood response, medical first response, and urban search and rescue. An exhibition showcasing gear and equipment was held for public awareness. Further strengthening the state’s emergency response infrastructure, Dr. Sawant inaugurated a newly commissioned Water Tender allocated to Cuncolim Fire Station.
In his address, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant paid rich tribute to the fire service martyrs and acknowledged the continued dedication and courage of fire personnel across India. He emphasized that while the nation progresses socially and economically, fire risks remain a critical challenge.
