In a ceremony held on Republic Day, 27 police and fire‑service personnel from Karnataka were honored with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service and Gallantry, underscoring the state’s commitment to public safety and exemplary service.
Background and Context
The President’s Medal is one of the highest civilian honours awarded to police and emergency service officers in India. It recognizes exceptional dedication, bravery, and professional excellence. Karnataka’s 27 recipients, spanning ranks from Assistant Commissioners to Fire Station Officers, were selected after a rigorous evaluation of their service records, operational achievements, and contributions to community welfare.
“These awards are a testament to the relentless efforts of our officers who work tirelessly to safeguard citizens,” said Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar during the award ceremony. “Their courage and professionalism set a benchmark for law enforcement across the country.”
With Republic Day celebrations drawing national attention, the Karnataka government seized the opportunity to spotlight the state’s law‑enforcement achievements, reinforcing public confidence in police and fire services.
Key Developments
**President’s Medal for Distinguished Service**
– Devajyoti Ray, Additional Director General of Police, received the medal for his strategic leadership in crime prevention and inter‑agency coordination.
– Rangappa T, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Halasur Sub‑division, Bengaluru City, was honored for pioneering community policing initiatives that reduced local crime rates by 12% over the past year.
**President’s Medal for Meritorious Service**
Twenty police officers were recognized, including:
- Chetan Singh Rathor, Inspector General (IG)
- Amit Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Seema Latkar, DIG – Home Guards
- DCPs S Savitha and Raja Iman Kasim Pinjar
- M. Puttamadaiah, DIG and Principal (Training), Kalaburagi
- Chambanil Abraham Simon, SP-DCRE, Mangaluru
- Nagappa Naveen Kumar, Additional SP, Ballari‑2
- Hanumantharaya, Deputy SP, KLA, Bidar
- Mohammad MA, Inspector, Madiwala Police Station
- Shivaswamy CB, Inspector, Vidyaranyapura Police Station
- Mahamad Rafhik Maliksab, Tahasildar, Inspector, Vidyagiri Police Station, Hubballi
- Shrishail Kenchappa Byakod, CPI, Madalagi Circle, Belagavi
- Kashinath B, Reserve Sub‑Inspector, 9th Battalion, KSRP
- Violet Femina, PSI, Malpe Police Station
- Shakunthala HK, PSO, DSB DPO, Shivamogga
- Harsha Nagaraj, Assistant Sub‑Inspector, Hebbal Traffic Police Station
- Siddaraju G, ASI, Hulimavu Police Station
- Huchappa Doddaerappa, Reserve Head Constable, 3rd Battalion, KSRP
- Basavaraj Myageri, Head Constable, New Market Police Station, Sirsi
**President’s Medal for Meritorious Service – Fire & Emergency Services**
– Guruswamy, Assistant Fire Station Officer, and Arun C Naik, Leading Fireman, both from Mayo Hall Fire Station, were recognized for their exemplary response during the 2025 flood crisis.
**President’s Medal for Gallantry**
– KV Manjunath, Regional Fire Officer, South Range, for leading a life‑saving operation during a high‑rise building fire.
– Mallikarjun, Fireman, Banasawadi Fire Station, for rescuing 15 residents from a collapsed structure.
– Hemanth Kumar D, Fireman, Bannimantapa Fire Station, Mysuru, for extinguishing a hazardous chemical fire within minutes.
Impact Analysis
The awards carry significant implications for Karnataka’s law‑enforcement ecosystem:
- Boosted Morale – Recognizing officers publicly elevates morale, encouraging peers to strive for excellence.
- Recruitment Magnet – High‑profile accolades attract aspiring police and fire personnel, especially students from local universities.
- Community Trust – Celebrating officers who engage with communities strengthens public trust and cooperation.
- Operational Standards – The awards set benchmarks for operational efficiency, influencing training curricula across police academies.
According to the Karnataka Police Department, the state has seen a 9% increase in volunteer participation in community policing programs since 2024, a trend attributed in part to the visibility of awardees.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Dr. R. N. Suresh, a criminology professor at Bangalore University, emphasized the importance of structured career pathways:
“The President’s Medal not only honors individual bravery but also highlights the systemic support—training, resources, and mentorship—required for sustained excellence. Students aspiring to join the police force should focus on academic excellence in law, forensic science, and public administration, coupled with physical fitness and community engagement.”
For students and young professionals, the following tips can help align their career trajectory with the standards exemplified by the awardees:
- Enroll in accredited police training programs and pursue certifications in cyber‑crime, forensic analysis, and crisis management.
- Participate in community outreach initiatives—volunteer at local NGOs, conduct safety workshops, and engage in neighborhood watch programs.
- Develop proficiency in data analytics and GIS mapping, tools increasingly used in crime prevention and emergency response.
- Maintain a disciplined fitness regimen; physical readiness is a prerequisite for many police and fire service roles.
- Seek mentorship from seasoned officers; many awardees credit senior guidance for their professional growth.
Looking Ahead
The Karnataka government has announced plans to expand the award program to include a “President’s Medal for Innovation” next year, aimed at recognizing officers who introduce technological solutions to policing challenges. Additionally, a new scholarship fund will be established to support students from underprivileged backgrounds pursuing careers in law enforcement.
Police Commissioner S. K. Ramesh noted, “We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and service. The upcoming awards will spotlight officers who leverage technology—such as AI‑driven crime prediction models—to enhance public safety.”
With the Republic Day honours already setting a high bar, the state is poised to further professionalize its police and fire services, ensuring that Karnataka remains a model of safety and civic responsibility.
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