Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 14: On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, 13 police officers and personnel from Odisha have been selected to receive prestigious police medals. Additional Director General Suresh Dev Datta Singh, a 1998-batch IPS officer, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Sachidananda Rath, an Odisha Police Service officer, will be honored with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
Additionally, Company Commander Prakash Chandra Sahoo and Civil Defence Volunteer Simanchala Kundu will receive awards in the Home Guard and Civil Defence category.
Eleven other officers from Odisha will be awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service. The recipients include:
Kaushika Kumar Naik, Deputy Commandant
Sanat Kumar Nathsharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police
Kavita Sahu, Deputy Superintendent of Police
Pramoda Kumar Mohanta, Constable
Pradyumna Kumar Nanda, Sub Inspector
Babula Samal, Assistant Sub Inspector
Sanjukta Patanaik, Constable
Haribandhu Bhatra, Inspector
Tophan Behera, Havildar
Prana Krishna Lenka, Havildar
Suresh Chandra Rout, Havildar
Additionally, firemen Niranjan Jena and Sukanta Kumar Jena, platoon commander (Home Guard) Sulochana Sahoo, Civil Defence Volunteer Jhagu Barua, and Jailor Ratikant Sukla will also receive the Medal for Meritorious Service.
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) recognizes a special distinguished record in service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) honors valuable service marked by resourcefulness and dedication. In total, 1,037 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence, and Correctional Services will be awarded gallantry and service medals.