Bhubaneswar: The unsung heroes of Fire Services department will soon get a chance to be famous. This is because the Fire Services directorate has decided to reward firefighters who often brave their lives while carrying out various rescue operations in risky and hazardous situations. The Fire Services directorate, in a circular recently, said that personnel showing exceptional bravery will be periodically awarded with a cash prize of Rs 1,000, along with certificate of appreciation and mementos. Besides, a fund of Rs 10,000 can also be sanctioned to the fire stations across Odisha following public acclamation for any exceptional public and community services by the staff.
The by-laws of Fire Services, Home Guards and Civil Defence Welfare Fund currently have no provision to felicitate the brave fire personnel who risk their lives while saving animals and human beings in various precarious situations. Their act of bravery often goes unnoticed.
In order to honour such unsung heroes, the Fire Services directorate has made necessary changes in the by-laws by creating a welfare fund. Now, the fire personnel will periodically be rewarded when such commendable works are reported to the Chief Fire Officers (SAG).
A committee chaired by SAG along with three range officers as members will select the personnel for award on every fortnight.
Similarly, money will be sanctioned from the welfare fund for the distribution of food packets to the firemen engaged in rescue and restoration services during natural calamities and fire hazards. The staffers deployed for maintaining the accounts of welfare fund will get Rs 500 per month as remuneration.
The directorate also proposes to publish either monthly or quarterly bulletin narrating the spirited performances of such personnel. Copies of the bulletin will be sent to various fire stations in the state to motivate other staff. The IT cell of the SAG has been asked to ensure the regular publication and distribution of the bulletin.