Man Recognized as First Sikh Member of Three Bridges Fire Company

 According to Tap Into “ Three Bridges resident Khushwant S. Pall has become the first Sikh to join the Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company, and is one of the first Sikh firefighters in the country.

“It is my greatest privilege and honor to serve as the first Sikh on the Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company,” he said.

“With our turban, people can easily see us and count on us to assist and serve them in any capacity,” he added. “The turban has long been used to identify me as a Sikh, but, in the end, it has given me much more, an identity.” Pall said he is very proud to call the members of the department part of his family, and his desire to help goes way back.

“I was always taught while growing up to always serve and help others in need,” he said. “Prior to joining the department, I’ve always had an emergency bag in my car to help those who were pulled over on the side of the road, whether their battery died or if they needed assistance of any kind. I knew I had a calling.”

Pall is also the engineer of the tanker, and specializes in motor vehicle extrication utilizing the spreaders and cutters. In addition, he holds certifications in other aspects of emergency services, including elevator rescue, traffic incident management systems, all hazards disaster response, vehicle extrication, pump operation and heavy lifting.

The calling to be a firefighter is very personal, Pall said, dating back to when he was 4 years old, and he lost his father in a tragic car accident.

“The loss of a father early in life is immeasurable, but my mother truly has filled his role perfectly,” he said. “I often think about his accident and those who came to his aid and how they gave him every opportunity toward survival.”

“Whenever I am responding to an emergency, I always give it my all to ensure that everyone can make it back home safely to their loved ones," he added.

Pall said the work is purely volunteer, and his intention is always to serve others.

“This isn’t just about being the first Sikh in my department, it’s about the message we send to the community, which is that it doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, who you believe in or what you believe,” he said. “When you put on the badge, uniform or gear, we’re all the same and a part of a larger family of firefighters and first responders. We all unite to accomplish a mission and respond to the call of duty in the direst situations.”