Watch out: Though there was a huge risk involved at Taj, I decided to stay there with my team and rescue the stranded guests. Pics/SAYED SAMEER ABEDI

Trident Hotel, Taj -u00a0P Su00a0Rahangdale
Assistant Divisional Fire Officeru00a0(suburban division), Mumbai Fire Brigade

After I got a call from the control room, informing me about the incident at 10.15 pm that night, I rushed to the Trident Hotel.

Initially, we were confused about what was happening. It was only after we saw grenades in the lobby, that we realised it was a terror attack.

We somehow managed to douse the fire at Kandahar restaurant in the hotel and then rushed to the Taj for rescue operations.

I had a narrow escape when a bullet just missed my leg at Taj.

Rescuing the stranded guests without weapons was the biggest risk I have ever taken. But I decided to stay there and rescue people.

A year later

Though he has experienced horrifying incidents like the 1993 blasts in Mumbai in his 20-year career, Rahangdale feels memories of 26/11 will never fade.
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A year after the incident, he says his work has remained the same, but people have become more responsible.
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He is thrilled that the efforts of his team have been appreciated by the nation.

"My family is possessive about me, and proud of my contribution to society," said a pleased Rahangdale.