'Fire officer Sudhir Amin was always there when his colleagues needed him'

One of the most skilled firefighters in the fire department, Amin is remembered for his role in rescue operations in the 26/11 terror attacks.

“A thorough family man but also a braveheart.” That’s how grieving colleagues of deputy chief fire officer Sudhir Amin describe him.

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One of the most skilled firefighters in the fire department, Amin is remembered for his role in rescue operations in the 26/11 terror attacks. “He was at Wadi bunder when a taxi exploded that day. After tackling the fire he went to CST to save lives, then headed to St George hospital to take stock of victims. After that, he was at Taj Mahal hotel, and helped save lives for two days,” said a colleague.

“Together, we rescued many guests from the hotel that day. He played a great role in planning strategies for the rescue operation,” said PS Rahangdale, deputy chief fire officer.

“There was a different charm about him. He adjusted to every situation and was an entertaining officer in the department,” he said.

“He cycled all the way to south India once. He was part of many adventure clubs in the city. He led a team and trained them for rope rescue operations,” said KV Hiwrale, deputy chief fire officer.

At the Lotus building fire in Andheri last year, he led the team from the front. “He was always available even when colleagues needed him. We lost a brave officer and a dear friend,” said VN Panigrahi, another officer.

He joined the force in February 1989 as an assistant station officer.