With fire in their belly

The Pune Firebrigade,with its central office located at Timber Market has nine depots across the city with 450 fire personnel working 24X7 for the safety of over 243 sq km area of the city. “Being a firefighter isn’t easy,it requires dedication and devotion that does not fade with time. We need to be vigilant all the time especially on festive occasions. You can be required anytime to help the people in need,” says Yogesh Suresh Mane,fire fighter who has been the third generation fire fighter from his family.

Vinod Makahamale is another such hero who is up on his toes since past four years to ensure that Puneites are safe,be it on Diwali or any other day. Commenting on being away from his family on the most awaited festival of the year he says,“Diwali for me is ensuring safety of citizens of Pune. Duty comes first,celebration with the family can be done later.”

“Every year,we get awards like the Municipal Corporation Award,President Awards,Meritorious Award,Distinguished Award and the Gallantry Award. While these are just the worldly ways of honouring,the real motivation comes from those we rescue. I remember once after rescuing a family,one of the victims literally touched my feet saying- You arrived sooner than God and gave a new life to us. For us,you are God. And that’s the biggest motivation that I get — to continue working as a fire fighter and to miss my Diwali,” quips Ranpise.