Archive

The Unsung Heroes of the Force

You would have heard about SCDF’s emergency responders at the frontlines responding to emergencies to protect and save lives and property. But do you know there is a team that is working tirelessly behind the scenes managing resources and providing logistics support for smooth and effective runs of courses at the Civil Defence Academy (CDA)? These unsung heroes are none other than the team of dedicated staff at the Corporate Services Hub (West). We recently met up with Staff Sergeant (SSG) Azmi Bin Abdul Samad, an Operations Logistics Specialist (OLS) and Sergeant 1 (SGT1) (NSF) Muhammad Saufi Bin Hussain, a Senior Info-communications Assistant from Corporate Services Hub West [CSH(W)]. Both SSG Azmi and SGT1 (NSF) Saufi play a pivotal role in providing critical support functions that contributes to the mission success of SCDF.

CPL (NCDCC) A’zizy (fourth cadet in the extreme right) marching with pride during a rehearsal; SWO1 Hayatu’llah (extreme right) was the trainer for the NCDCC contingent

Marching On Stronger, Together!

For the first time in two years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation celebrated its 57th year of independence with a full-scale National Day Parade (NDP22). In preparation for NDP22, the marching contingents started sharpening their foot drills since 7 May at the Seletar Camp. Combined rehearsals for the ceremonial parade were subsequently held at the Marina Bay floating platform from June 2022 onwards. Rescue 995 interviewed two chief trainers for the SCDF and National Civil Defence Cadet Corp (NCDCC) marching contingents, as well as a student cadet from the NCDCC marching contingent, who shared their memorable experiences in being part of this year’s National Day celebration.

Retired Veteran of the Lifesaving Force: Mentoring Abroad

Meet SWO (RET) Selamat Abdul Jalil spent over two decades of his life as a firefighter and five years as a Senior Instructor at SCDF’s Civil Defence Academy (CDA). During his posting at CDA, he provided Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training not only to local firefighters, but also to international trainees from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In 2014, he began a new chapter in his post-retirement career as a Tactical Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Academy (ADCDA). Rescue 995 caught up with him through a virtual call this month and engaged him in an exclusive interview on his experiences at ADCDA as well as his memorable postings in SCDF.

Beverlyn Huang, Bernice Huang, Mr Wong Hoi Kam and Mdm Beatrice Ho.

A Walk Down Memory Lane with the Huangs

Rescue 995 engaged Bernice and Beverlyn, along with their parents, Mdm Beatrice Ho, a retired Ambulance Officer (AO) and Mr Wong Hoi Kam, a retired ambulance and fire engine driver, in an exclusive interview as they share their most memorable times of their life in the SCDF.

A Role Model for Family

Fifteen years ago, on 19 June, MX Munawar bin Zainudin was officially ‘promoted’ to the role of a father with the birth of his first child, A’zizy Mui’zzuddin bin Munawar. What makes this Father’s Day doubly special is that A’zizy’s birthday coincidently falls on the Father’s Day this year!

Our Lifesavers Bringing Pride to Our Nation at the SEA Games

Meet two of our Full-time National Servicemen, Corporal (NSF) Noah Lim Tian Run and Lance Corporal (NSF) Muhammad Syakir Bin Jeffry, who participated in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam from 12 May to 23 May 2022. CPL (NSF) Noah, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from Alexandra Fire Station, clinched the gold medal in Ju-jitsu while LCP (NSF) Muhammad Syakir, a firefighter from Tuas Fire Station, took the joint-bronze medal in Pencak Silat for Team Singapore.

Innovative Trainer with a Passion to Serve

Meet WO2 Nasiruddin Ghafor, a Senior Course Specialist who has been with The Life Saving Force for more than 12 years. In 2020, WO2 Nasiruddin was posted to the Civil Defence Academy (CDA) as a trainer. With sheer hard work and determination, he was awarded the Home Team (HT) Trainer of the Year in November 2021, just barely two years as a trainer. WO2 Nasiruddin is actively involved in training Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) undergoing the Section Commander Course (SCC) at CDA. If you do not already know, WO2 Nasiruddin was previously featured in Rescue 995, back in June 2020, for his swift and courageous act in fighting a fire that engulfed a Yishun HDB unit while on his way to work.

Our Veterans of the Sea, In Commemoration of SCDF Marine Division’s 10th Anniversary

On 1 April 2022, one of the world’s most powerful firefighting vessels, SCDF’s Heavy Fire Vessel (HFV), codenamed the Red Sailfish, put on a majestic display for guests and officers in attendance as SCDF Marine Division celebrated its 10th anniversary. Looking on with pride, SCDF Marine veterans Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Cheong Kwong Hui, Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) Mohammed Firhin Bin Wahab and WO2 Mohamad Idros Bin Abubakar were among the many Marine Division officers present at this momentous event. Rescue 995 spoke to these marine veterans in an exclusive interview on their experiences as the pioneers who set up SCDF’s Marine Division.

Behind the Scenes (Part 2): The Making of ‘In Safe Hands’

You would have seen or heard about SCDF’s latest Mandarin drama serial, ‘In Safe Hands’ (with English subtitles), which was aired daily on Mediacorp channel 8 from 7 March to 18 March this year. The making of ‘In Safe Hands’ was a challenging but truly enriching experience for the Mediacorp production team, artistes and several SCDF officers. Rescue 995 goes behind the scenes in this exclusive interview with Loh Woon Woon, the Executive Producer; Oh Wei Ting and Lau Ching Poon, the script writers; two SCDF advisers namely Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Khaisarah Mansor and Major (MAJ) Shafi Rafie, as well the SCDF casts: LTC Ryan Hoo Wei Kun, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Gregory Ryan and SSG Kamarul Arifin. Read on to find out more about their experiences in the making of ‘In Safe Hand’.

Behind the Scenes (Part 1): Interview with Four Main Casts of 'In Safe Hands'

You would have seen or heard about SCDF’s latest Mandarin drama serial, ‘In Safe Hands’ (with English subtitles), which was aired daily on Mediacorp Channel 8 from 7 March to 18 March this year. During its premiere, the action-packed drama wowed the audience with adrenaline pumping scenes featuring SCDF’s latest ops-technological gadgets, fleet of emergency appliances as well as our very own officers of different ethnicity acting alongside the Mediacorp artistes. In case you missed it, the 10-episode drama is still available for free on meWATCH and you can catch it here. And now, Rescue 995 welcome the main casts to take centre stage on this exclusive interview as they share their experiences on the production of the drama serial.