From NCDCC Cadets to SCDF Career Officers

Rescue 995 engaged in an interview with WO1 Benjamin Peh, a Fire & Rescue Commander, now on MHA Scholarship, and LTA Jadyn Toh, an Instructing Officer with the Civil Defence Academy to share with us their motivations and journey from the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) to being career officers with the Life Saving Force.

Rescue 995: How long have you been with the Force.

WO1 Benjamin: I have been a career officer with SCDF since 2012 and I am still actively involved as an Honorary Officer of NCDCC.

Rescue 995: What inspired you from being a cadet in the NCDCC to becoming a career SCDF officer?

WO1 Benjamin: It was my childhood dream to be a firefighter and thus I joined the NCDCC when I was in secondary school.

As an NCDCC cadet, I was able to experience first-hand many exciting things such as undergoing the Chemical Attack (CA) Suit confidence training in the CA Chamber, donning the Breathing Apparatus (BA) Set while manoeuvering through the BA Maze as well as fighting fire in the Furnace of the Civil Defence Academy. I love everything to do with fire and rescue missions, so much so that even after my secondary school days, as a teenager, I continued to volunteer my time in NCDCC first as a Cadet Lieutenant and eventually as an Honorary Officer today. My formative years spent with NCDCC have definitely ignited my passion to serve with the Force.

^{WO1 Benjamin Peh (in the middle) with fellow NCDCC (KCPSS Unit) colleagues.}

Rescue 995: Did the skills and knowledge which you had acquired from NCDCC helped you in your career with SCDF?

WO1 Benjamin: Due to my training in NCDCC, it gave me a head start in the first aid skills training and in handling some fire-fighting and rescue equipment during my Section Commander Course. NCDCC has also developed in me leadership skills, self-discipline as well as mental resilience in the face of challenges, which are vital prerequisites as SCDF career officers.

Rescue 995: What would you say to NCDCC cadets or CLTs who are in the midst of deciding their future career path?

WO1 Benjamin: If you enjoy your time in the NCDCC and are inspired to do more as a lifesaver, then you should definitely join SCDF. The dynamics and challenging nature of the job in SCDF provide you with a unique and exciting career, empowering you to make a difference to the lives of others regardless of your appointments or vocations in the Force.

Rescue 995: How long have you been with the Force and what inspired you to join SCDF?

LTA Jadyn: I joined SCDF in 2016.

As an NCDCC member in secondary school, I had the opportunity to apply what I have learnt into helping others, such as administering first aid to my injured schoolmates and putting out a fire involving a motorcycle near my home.

Being involved in the SCDF Workplan Seminar to man the NCDCC booth also gave me the chance to interact with many SCDF career officers to hear their enriching life saving stories. That sparked my interest in the Lifesaving Force. The turning point that affirmed my decision to join SCDF was during the end of the NCDCC Basic Firefighting Course in 2012 where I was appointed as the Duty Officer for the fire scenario exercise.

 
Rescue 995: Did the skills and knowledge which you had acquired from NCDCC helped you in your career with SCDF?

LTA Jadyn: Honing skills such as effective communication and leadership in NCDCC had given me an added advantage in my career with the Force. It gave me that added confidence to engage and lead my peers and subordinates.

^{LTA Jadyn Toh (extreme left) during her NCDCC days.}

Rescue 995: What would you say to NCDCC cadets or CLTs who are in the midst of deciding their future career path?

LTA Jadyn: NCDCC equips you with the skills and knowledge to respond as Community First Responders, to be advocates of Emergency Preparedness and to care for your team and others. This mirrors the SCDF’s core values of Pride and Care.

As a SCDF officer, you will have the opportunity to make greater positive differences to others by playing an integral role in protecting and saving lives and property. Although this career is not an easy feat, your desire to take on challenges, to help those in distress and to passionately serve the community will make this a rewarding and purposeful career.