Chennai, Jul 31 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday presented prestigious state and national medals to police, fire, and allied departmental personnel, and flagged off a new fleet of vehicles for the Coastal Security Group during a grand ceremonial parade here.
The chief minister arrived at the saluting dais and conducted an inspection of the parade in an open vehicle.
The parade, commanded by Deputy Commissioner of Police Akash Joshi and Second-in-Command Assistant Superintendent of Police Ajith Punia, featured contingents, including the Mounted Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Disaster Response Force, Coastal Security Group, the all-women ‘Singappen’ Special Task Force, Prisons and Correctional Services, and the Commando Force.
During the event at Rajarathinam Stadium, attendees paid respects to the President’s Colour, the highest honour awarded to the Tamil Nadu Police for its 160 years of service, marking it as the first force in South India to receive the distinction.
The Director General of Police, Head of the Police Force, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, delivered the welcome address, affirming the police force’s dedication to maintaining law and order and public safety.
CM Vijay formally distributed a wide range of honours to distinguished personnel. The awards included the Chief Minister’s Fire Service Medal for Gallantry and Excellence, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, the Medal for Meritorious Service, the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Special Operations and Intelligence, and the Chief Minister’s Anna Medal.
To enhance surveillance, patrolling, and emergency response along Tamil Nadu’s 1,076 km coastline spanning 14 districts, the CM flagged off 42 newly inducted Mahindra Thar Roxx four-wheelers and 96 Honda Unicorn two-wheelers for the Coastal Security Group.
The ceremony also featured specialised operational demonstrations, including a hostage rescue and anti-terror mock drill conducted by the Quick Reaction Team and House Intervention Team of the Tamil Nadu Commando Force.
A dog squad display showcased canines Maya, Jimmy, Vicky, Rocky, Pablo, and ‘Rusty’ — a native Kombai breed who secured a gold medal in a 2024 state-level tracking competition. The canines demonstrated their specialised training in explosive detection and tracking.
The event additionally featured a synchronised silent weapon drill performed by 72 personnel and a daredevil motorcycle stunt display led by Woman Inspector T Anbarasi.
The stunt team, specifically commended for their confident performance, executed complex moving formations, including a human pyramid, a lotus, and an airplane, while proudly carrying the national tricolor and the Tamil Nadu Police flag.
The Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police, A Amalraj, delivered the vote of thanks, quoting Emperor Napoleon to emphasise that the medals are not merely pieces of metal, but reflections of bravery, sacrifice, discipline, and skill.
The ceremony concluded with an official group photograph of the medal recipients alongside the chief minister, followed by the playing of the national anthem. PTI JR JR KH
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