EMBARGO : NOT TO BE USED / RELEASED / PUBLISHED UNTIL 0001 HRS ON 26 JAN 2015
Shri Ravinder Kumar, Leading Hand Fireman (LHF), was on the posted strength of 3 Base Repair Depot Chandigarh since 1999.
On 08 Jun 2014, at 1950 hrs, an emergency fire call was received from Civil Fire Station in Sector -17 Chandigarh. Shri Ravinder Kumar, who was at home, being on off-duty, was recalled to join the fire fighting team at National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Sector 17, Chandigarh.
The task was daunting as the three storey building of NIELIT was completely engulfed in fire making it increasingly difficult for the firemen to douse the raging flames. Valuable research records and costly equipment was at stake. Until this stage, all the efforts were from outside the building and there was a general reluctance to enter the building to extinguish the fire at the core. Assessing the situation correctly and on his own initiative, Shri Ravinder Kumar in the true spirit of a fire-fighter, climbed on the first floor without caring for his personal safety to fight the fire from the inside. Encouraged by his courageous initiative, other fire fighters started following him to address the fire at the core. While his fire fighting efforts were paying dividends, under unfortunate circumstances a part of the building collapsed, trapping the Fireman under the debris.
Shri Ravinder Kumar LH Fireman displayed courage of the highest order in his attempt to contain the fire and made the supreme sacrifice in the process. This courageous act of the young Fireman epitomises the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force - 'Service before Self'. He has displayed most conspicuous valour, courage and exemplary leadership and devotion to duty that will serve as an inspiration for generations.
For this act of gallantry, Shri Ravinder Kumar has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
SSB/RCD/CMG
Shri Ravinder Kumar, Leading Hand Fireman (LHF), was on the posted strength of 3 Base Repair Depot Chandigarh since 1999.
On 08 Jun 2014, at 1950 hrs, an emergency fire call was received from Civil Fire Station in Sector -17 Chandigarh. Shri Ravinder Kumar, who was at home, being on off-duty, was recalled to join the fire fighting team at National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Sector 17, Chandigarh.
The task was daunting as the three storey building of NIELIT was completely engulfed in fire making it increasingly difficult for the firemen to douse the raging flames. Valuable research records and costly equipment was at stake. Until this stage, all the efforts were from outside the building and there was a general reluctance to enter the building to extinguish the fire at the core. Assessing the situation correctly and on his own initiative, Shri Ravinder Kumar in the true spirit of a fire-fighter, climbed on the first floor without caring for his personal safety to fight the fire from the inside. Encouraged by his courageous initiative, other fire fighters started following him to address the fire at the core. While his fire fighting efforts were paying dividends, under unfortunate circumstances a part of the building collapsed, trapping the Fireman under the debris.
Shri Ravinder Kumar LH Fireman displayed courage of the highest order in his attempt to contain the fire and made the supreme sacrifice in the process. This courageous act of the young Fireman epitomises the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force - 'Service before Self'. He has displayed most conspicuous valour, courage and exemplary leadership and devotion to duty that will serve as an inspiration for generations.
For this act of gallantry, Shri Ravinder Kumar has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
SSB/RCD/CMG
