THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Retiring from service on Wednesday, K Padmakumar, Director General of Fire and Rescue Services, is bringing to a close a long and eventful career in public service.
As he steps down, Padmakumar said multiple goals have been briefed to his successor, Manoj Abraham, who has been promoted to the post following his retirement.
Among the most important tasks ahead, Padmakumar pointed to the need for efficient financial utilisation.
“There is an organisational grant of Rs 162 crore. It is crucial that the utilisation of this is now expedited. Another major focus will be the effective utilisation of funds allocated under the Wayanad development package,” said Padmakumar.
He also spoke about the need to replace ageing fire and rescue vehicles.
“Nearly 150 vehicles have crossed the 15-year mark. Proposals for their replacement have already been submitted. It is important to act on them without delay,” added Padmakumar.
During his tenure, the department witnessed notable technological and operational upgrades. These included the induction of robotic fire engines capable of navigating hazardous zones without risking human lives, and the deployment of high-rise aerial ladder platforms to tackle fires in multi-storey buildings.
Padmakumar oversaw the recruitment of women into the fire and rescue services breaking the longstanding barriers in what was traditionally considered a male-dominated field. Building on this, he also initiated India’s first all-women Scuba diving team within the department just three months before his retirement.