For the first time, I felt like I'd served India

I was at home watching television when news started trickling in of a possible terrorist attack. At 12.15 am, I was told to rush to the Taj.

I'll be there for you: It was difficult for me to convince people not to jump out and wait for us to rescue them. Pics/BIPIN KOKATE, SAYED SAMEER ABEDI

I was at home watching television when news started trickling in of a possible terrorist attack. At 12.15 am, I was told to rush to the Taj.

There, police officials asked me to turn on my vehicle's beacon to attract the terrorists' attention. By 2 am, we started getting calls from inside the hotel about a fire.

When we saw people who were stuck inside trying to jump out, we decided to go ahead to rescue them.

With the help of aerial platform ladders, we reached them and also helped NSG commandos in their operation. Thankfully, none of my firemen died.

A year later

After being promoted as the chief fire officer, Tatkare looks at 26/11 as a learning experience for the fire brigade.

"In my last 30 years of service, I have risked my life several times to rescue people. But 26/11 was different," he said.

For the first time, Tatkare felt what the armed forces feel while serving the nation. He calls it his rebirth. "I have been trying to modernise the fire brigade.
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We are getting the best communication set, where we'll have a dedicated frequency. This will make sure there are no network jams."


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