Ghaziabad Chief Fire Officer awarded Gallantry Medal for heroic rescue efforts

Ghaziabad Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal has been awarded the Gallantry Medal for his heroic efforts in rescuing 27 people during a massive fire at a residential society earlier this year. The incident occurred on March 4, 2026, at around 3:05 AM in 27 New Ajnara Park, Khoda Colony, where a blaze engulfed the building, trapping residents on upper floors.

The fire reportedly started near the electric meters in the parking area, where around 35 two-wheelers were parked. Both gates of the building were locked, and the fire spread rapidly, leaving residents stranded. Thick smoke and flames surrounded the balconies, leading to panic and chaos. Women and children were heard screaming for help as they struggled to escape.

The fire service team arrived promptly and began rescue operations from the rear side of the building. Using axes and cutters, they broke through doors and windows to enter the premises. Extension ladders were deployed to reach balconies, and trapped residents were carefully evacuated. Among the 27 rescued were men, women, and children, many of whom were stuck in flats or bathrooms. Firefighters carried some on their shoulders, others on seats, and children in their arms to bring them down safely.

For their bravery and swift action, several fire service personnel were honored with Gallantry Medals on August 15, 2026. The awardees include Rahul Pal (Chief Fire Officer, Ghaziabad), Moolchand Singh (Second Fire Officer, Vaishali), Netrapal (Leading Fireman), Ram Pal Singh (Fire Service Driver), Satendra Kumar (Fire Service Driver), Umakant Shukla (Fireman), Deepak Kumar-I (Fireman), Jogendra Singh (Fireman), Vinay Yadav (Fireman), and Ayushman Kumar Sharma (Fireman).

This incident is a testament to the courage and dedication of fire service personnel, who risk their lives to protect citizens in emergencies. Their actions not only saved lives but also brought hope to families facing a devastating crisis.