If you think being a firefighter is tough, imagine what it takes to be a firefighter and a medal-winning international athlete at a global event. Mumbai Fire Brigade’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dr Deepak Ghosh’s hard work, both on and off his duty hours, paid off when he returned with a bronze medal in the Ultimate Firefighter (55+ age category) competition at the World Police and Fire Games 2025 (June 28 to July 6) held in Birmingham, USA, recently.
‘It’s not about recognition’
Despite his sporting success, Dr Ghosh, 55, reveals that his love for competing stems from wanting to be a better firefighter rather than being a better athlete. “It’s not about gaining recognition as an athlete. I do these things to keep fit. As a firefighter, we might be required to climb 50 stories to save people. If I’m not fit myself, how am I supposed to rescue others?” Dr Ghosh, who is associated with the Borivali Fire Station, told mid-day on Tuesday.
Dr Ghosh, who holds a doctorate in forest fires, believes that since the call of duty for a firefighter can come at any time — day or night — he has to be in peak physical condition at all times. “I wake up at 6am and head to the gym thrice a week for an intense workout. I intersperse my gym days with cycling, swimming, and running. The idea is to train your speed, strength and stamina all of which are extremely important for a firefighter,” adds Dr Ghosh, who also participated in the 2018 World Firefighters Games in South Korea.
Dr Deepak Ghosh after winning bronze at the World Police and Fire Games in the USA
The Ultimate Firefighter event is the ultimate test of the above mentioned aspects. “It comprises four stages [hose task, weight and strength challenge, obstacle course, high-rise simulation] all of which are based on real-life firefighting scenarios. We have to carry a 20kg roll of hose up a staircase, an
80kg human dummy, all while wearing a 10kg uniform plus a 12kg breathing apparatus. So, besides my gym training, to be able to do all these things, I practice simulation training too,” explains Dr Ghosh.
He clearly is an inspiration for his colleagues and takes pride in it. “I try to do my best at these events and hope to set a trend for the youngsters in my department. I feel very satisfied when they tell me that I’ve inspired them. Some tell me that they are ashamed of their fitness when compared to me. It makes them want to do better’,” says the firefighter.
Post-retirement plan
Interestingly, Dr Ghosh, who will be retiring from the job in 2028, has no plans of quitting his fitness drills and has even planned for an international competition post-retirement. “The 2029 World Police and Fire Games will be held in Ahmedabad. I want to take part in it because retirees are also allowed to enter. Hopefully, I can win the gold medal then,” concludes Dr Ghosh.
