Observance of the Fire and Rescue Services Week began on Wednesday with the officials placing a wreath at a specially-erected column in memory of those who had sacrificed their lives while on duty.
From 1955 till 2010 as many as 25 persons had lost their lives in the call of duty.
Their names were read out and a two-minute silence was observed by officers and personnel serving in Coimbatore.
Deputy Director of Fire and Rescue Services, R.G. Jayakanthan and Divisional Fire Officer, I.J. Lourdu Nathan and Station Fire Officers placed the wreath.
The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, Western Region has proposed to observe the week as a fire prevention week by distribution of handbills, pamphlets, by conducting demonstrations, mock drills and street side campaign meetings in a bid to generate awareness among the members of the public.
The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services is observing the centenary year.
The valediction of the Fire Prevention and Fire and Rescue Services Week would be observed in Coimbatore on April 23.
The function would be attended by Director General of Police and Director of Fire and Rescue Services, R. Nataraj.
At the valedictory function of the programme, the fire and rescue services personnel would take a pledge to serve for protecting the lives of the people.
To mark the observance, essay competitions on fire safety and rescue services would be conducted for the school children in the district.
