Surjit Sharma awarded Bronze Disc for 5 decades in Civil Defence

Surjit Sharma, who had served in the Civil Defence Warden Service for five decades, received the Director General Civil Defence and Fire Services Bronze Disc. The award was presented on the occasion of the 63rd Civil Defence Raising Day, held on December 6.

Sharma had served with Civil Defence during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, recalling rescue operations, air strikes, and training in rescuing distressed persons and providing effective guidance to the public on safety measures before and after air attacks. During Punjab’s militancy period, he was involved in safety and security measures during two major bomb blasts at Katra Ahluwalia and Shivala Bagh Bhaiya, as well as the rail accident at Jodda Phatak.

In these man-made disasters, injured people were rescued, first aid administered and crucially, psychological first aid provided to victims and their families. The Civil Defence education wing operated vigorously under his guidance, now covering a majority of schools, NCC camps, and the general public with training from time to time. Civil Defence volunteers under his leadership participated in various mock drills with NSG commandos, police, and the fire brigade.