Death of SCDF Firefighter in the Line of Duty

On 8 December 2022, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to a fire at 91 Henderson Road at around 11.10am. During the firefighting operation, CPL Edward H Go (吴宏澤), 19, fell unconscious in the kitchen area. He was brought out of the unit and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was administered on him. An SCDF ambulance crew at the scene also used the automated external defibrillator on him and conveyed him to Singapore General Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

CPL Edward enlisted with the SCDF to serve his National Service on 5 January 2022. He began his 12 weeks of training as a firefighter on 3 February 2022 and completed his training on 28 April 2022. Prior to enlistment, CPL Edward was certified medically fit and assessed to be of Physical Employment Standards’ (PES) ‘A’. After completing his Firefighter Course, CPL Edward was posted to Central Fire Station on 4 May 2022. Since his posting to the fire station, he had responded to more than 20 fire and rescue incidents.

SCDF frontline units comprise regulars, Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen), all of whom are trained to carry out roles as Rota Commanders, Section Commanders or Firefighters. In a fire or rescue emergency, officers of these vocations form a composite crew to respond to the incident. All the training for these different roles and responsibilities are carried out centrally at the Civil Defence Academy through various firefighting and rescue courses. \

CPL Edward was part of the first response crew for the fire incident on 8 December 2022. SCDF officers, like CPL Edward, put their lives on the line each time they enter the scene of a fire in order to save others.

SCDF is deeply saddened by the death of CPL Edward. He is our first colleague to have fallen during an operation. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, and are providing them with our fullest support. With the agreement of the family, we will be holding a ceremonial funeral to honour CPL Edward H Go.

Quote by COMR Eric Yap On behalf of the SCDF, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of CPL Edward H Go. CPL Edward was bravely carrying out his duty to save lives and property. He was a courageous firefighter who was well-liked by his supervisors and colleagues. He was highly committed and dedicated to his duties. We are all very sad, and will always remember him. COMR Eric Yap Commissioner Singapore Civil Defence Force

 

Issued by:

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE