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“Baris, sedia!”
The air was thick with anticipation as the sound of boots stamped in unison at attention. The reverberation echoed across the parade square, marking the start of the SCDF Parade 2024.
LTC Neo Jia Qi, Head Operations and Training, SCDF Marine Division, was the Parade Commander. PHOTO: SCDF
Held at the Singapore Expo on 14 November 2024, the SCDF Parade 2024 involved more than 600 participants.
The marching contingents, led by LTC Neo Jia Qi, comprised officers from SCDF’s Land and Marine Divisions, cadets from the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps, Civil Defence Lionhearters, Community First Responders as well as Operationally Ready National Servicemen from the 21 Public Shelter and Resilience Unit.
The Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band from Swiss Cottage Secondary School showcased their musical talents and ensemble pieces. This was their 5th time supporting the SCDF Parade. PHOTO: SCDF
“To me, the parade showcases SCDF’s operational readiness and constant vigilance, which requires both commitment and discipline,” said LTC Jia Qi, who has been with SCDF for 15 years. “With our diverse group of parade participants, we highlight not only the dedication of our SCDF officers, but also the valuable contributions of SCDF’s partners and the community to our lifesaving mission.”
Back in 2010, LTC Jia Qi had participated in the SCDF Parade, as the flag bearer of Bukit Batok Fire Station, where he had served as a Rota Commander. PHOTO: SCDF
Reflecting on the marchers’ journey in training for the SCDF Parade 2024, LTC Jia Qi said, “The long hours of rehearsals over the past few months have not been easy for everyone, however, the camaraderie and bonds forged between the parade participants made every effort worthwhile. Looking back, it truly has been an extraordinary and memorable experience.”
“From casual chats in between rehearsals to motivational messages in our group chats, everyone was very encouraging, sharing tips and learning from each other to perfect our drills,” he added.
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (centre), Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development, was the Guest of Honour for the SCDF Parade 2024. He was accompanied by COMR Eric Yap (2nd from left), Commissioner SCDF, and LTC Jia Qi, as he reviewed the Guard of Honour contingent. PHOTO: SCDF
During the parade, “The Unbreakables” - a series of 20 limited-edition figurines inspired by SCDF’s Operation Lionheart contingent deployed to Türkiye in February 2023 - were presented to donors who contributed generously to the Operation Lionheart Charity Initiative 2024, recognising their generosity and solidarity with the humanitarian mission of SCDF’s Operation Lionheart contingent.
“The Unbreakables” figurines and tokens of appreciation were presented by MOS Faishal to donors who contributed generously to the humanitarian efforts of the Singapore Red Cross. PHOTO: SCDF
The donations raised through the Operation Lionheart Charity Initiative 2024 were presented by COMR Eric Yap (2nd from right), Commissioner SCDF, to Mr Muralli Raja Rajaram (2nd from left), a Singapore Red Cross Council Member. PHOTO: SCDF
A symbolic handover of the donations raised through the Operation Lionheart Charity Initiative 2024, amounting to S$45,555, was presented by COMR Eric Yap to Mr Muralli Raja Rajaram, a member of the Singapore Red Cross Council.
This marked the conclusion of SCDF’s inaugural fundraising initiative in collaboration with Accenture Song, in support of the Singapore Red Cross. The donations will go a long way in supporting international disaster relief efforts and local humanitarian work, uplifting the nation’s vulnerable communities and strengthening community resilience.
SCDF’s operational readiness and robust capabilities were on full display. PHOTO: SCDF
After the parade contingents marched out to cheers from the spectators, the parade square was lit up by a vibrant display of SCDF’s emergency vehicles. With their beacons shining brightly, these cutting-edge vehicles demonstrated SCDF’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. After this exuberant display, the spectators’ focus shifted to the stage.
Excitement filled the air as SCDF’s Music and Performing Arts Club (MPAC), joined by the upbeat rhythms of Samba Bomba, took centre stage. PHOTO: SCDF
Performing for the first time at the SCDF Parade, SCDF’s MPAC ignited the crowd with an electrifying mix of songs, including an original composition that resonated deeply with the audience.
SCDF’s MPAC is made up of SCDF regular officers and full-time national servicemen. Performing at the SCDF Parade 2024 were (from left to right) CPT Shahril Bahri Bin Mohd Rafi, an Operations Officer; SGT2 Lee Shi Han, a Paramedic at Sengkang Fire Station; CPT Lina Chan Kobayashi from the Emergency Medical Services Department; and WO2 Suhaimi Bin Hashim from Tuas View Fire Station. PHOTO: SCDF
“Our 20-minute medley was specifically crafted for the SCDF Parade 2024 to showcase our in-house talents, while expressing our pride and honour in representing SCDF,” said CPT Shahril Bahri Bin Mohd Rafi, who has coordinated and performed with SCDF’s MPAC in over 20 events since joining in 2023.
CPT Shahril (left) shared that SCDF’s MPAC heartfelt performance honoured fellow SCDF colleagues who supported and cheered them on in countless ways. PHOTO: SCDF
Among the songs performed, ‘The Life I Chose’, an original composition by SCDF’s MPAC, stood out to CPT Shahril. “Its powerful lyrics and melody remind us of our purpose,” he said. Bringing this song to life at the SCDF Parade was an honour. “It’s truly a moment worth treasuring,” he added.
SCDF officers and the SCDF Division mascots joined in for the grand finale of the performance. PHOTO: SCDF
Dedicating the song to his fellow SCDF colleagues, CPT Shahril encouraged everyone to persevere in the face of adversity. “It is never easy to accomplish something great. When the path gets tough, the resistance we face often propels us forward. So, let’s lift our heads high and press on!”
As MPAC’s vocals and Samba Bomba’s rhythmic beats brought the SCDF Parade to a close, SCDF officers stood in unison, always ready to protect and save lives and property for a safe and secure Singapore.