TEXT: JAMES LEONG
PHOTOS: VERNON WONG
I was an Investigation Officer at Bedok Police Division HQ, and my eyes were opened to a world I never knew. My stint gave me a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous, as well as the poor. I learned that nothing is what
it seems, and my one year there made me grow up very quickly.
Early days
My earlier days as a police trainee at the OPA were equally meaningful because there is just something special about the vast open spaces. The parade square gave us the freedom to shout drill commands at the top of our voices to the
delight of our drill instructors, and we were even told the students at the nearby Catholic Junior College could hear us!
When I attended the reunion at the OPA in July, I reflected on my entire time spent as an NSF and now as an NSman, and my proudest moment has to be leading 745 NS officers at the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC).
Security was at its highest, and I’m glad that I had a part to play in protecting the lives of the delegates and Singaporeans. You see, it wasn’t just about job satisfaction but changing perceptions.
When I attended the reunion at the OPA in July, I reflected on my entire time spent as an NSF and now as an NSman, and my proudest moment has to be leading 745 NS officers at the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC).
Security was at its highest, and I’m glad that I had a part to play in protecting the lives of the delegates and Singaporeans. You see, it wasn’t just about job satisfaction but changing perceptions.
Connecting people
Nonetheless, it’s a work in progress. As early as during my PNSF days, PNSmen were seen as disconnected, so I now try to better engage the NSmen so they can feel like assets. My experience working with them at the 2009 APEC and 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics shows that they are truly capable, and as the regular force integrates them more into its operations, things can only get better for them and the SPF. This entire journey has been nothing short of exciting ,and I thank all the men and women in blue. They really are our unsung heroes in their noble pursuit to protect our lives.
The men and women in blue really are our unsung heroes in their noble pursuit to protect our lives.