A teacher by profession and a volunteer by passion, Mr Edmund Teo juggles two critical roles in the Home Team, inspiring others with his commitment to service and community safety.
For Edmund Teo, 45, service is more than a responsibility — it’s a calling. By day, he shapes young minds as a secondary school teacher; by night and weekends, he dons his uniforms for two Home Team agencies, dedicating himself to keeping Singapore safe.
Edmund’s volunteer journey began in 2003 with the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC), where he serves as a Neighbourhood Police Centre Officer (NPCO) at Ang Mo Kio North NPC. His role involves patrolling, managing incidents and sharing crime prevention tips at public events. As a Career Advisor for the Singapore Police Force (SPF), he also encourages others to join the VSC, spreading his passion for service.
In 2019, inspired by the professionalism of SCDF firefighters and paramedics during collaborative cases, Edmund expanded his commitment by joining the Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit (CDAU) as a Public Education Officer. Today, under the 1st SCDF Division, he educates the public on fire safety and emergency preparedness, furthering his mission to protect lives.
Edmund (second from right) currently serves at Ang Mo Kio North NPC, where he works alongside Team Leader and former VSC, ASP Isaac Tay (far left), and two of his former students, now regular officers on the team — Sgt(2) Joey Tan (second from left) from Yuying Secondary School and Sgt(1) Toh Kenjin (far right) from Zhonghua Secondary School.
Juggling two volunteer roles may seem daunting, but Edmund has mastered the art of prioritisation. “All of life’s commitments — personal, work, or volunteerism — demand time, and time is limited,” he shares. To manage this, he carefully structures his schedule. “CDAU Public Education Officer’s volunteer work is more event-based, so I plan those first. The rest of my time goes to VSC, which can operate at other times during the year,” he explains. His teaching schedule and school holidays also allow him to step up when needed.
In addition to effective time management, Edmund’s dual roles have equipped him with valuable cross-disciplinary skills. “VSC officers learn first aid, but my CDAU experience gives me extra in applying those skills,” he says. In one instance, he had to perform CPR on a person before paramedics arrived — an intense moment where his training across both roles proved invaluable.
Edmund educating the public on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) technique as a Public Education Officer (PEO) at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
Edmund’s expertise often overlaps in unexpected ways. “Once, while interacting with a family as a CDAU officer, I spotted lighted materials near combustible in their house. That was an opportunity to educate them on fire safety,” he recalls. Similarly, during community outreach, he frequently shares crime-prevention tips or clarifies legal concerns — such as whether performing CPR on someone of the opposite gender could lead to legal trouble.
Volunteering across two agencies has given Edmund a unique perspective on the Home Team’s broader mission. “I’ve learnt to appreciate the distinctive strengths of each department and how they complement one another to achieve positive outcomes,” he says.
Edmund interacting with a stall owner at Block 628 Ang Mo Kio.
Over nearly two decades of volunteering, Edmund has developed invaluable skills that extend beyond his Home Team duties. Engaging with the public has sharpened his communication abilities, enabling him to connect with diverse audiences. “These experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me to communicate confidently and listen actively,” he reflects.
First aid knowledge gained through his VSC training has also been instrumental in his work with the CDAU and in his teaching career. “These skills are practical and often come in handy whenever my students need immediate care,” he notes.
But what truly fuels his passion for service after all these years? “It’s the people I encounter while volunteering — the friendships forged and the sense of belonging that keep the fire burning,” shares Edmund. Having joined the VSC in his early 20s, he has literally grown up with many of his counterparts, including regular officers, NSF personnel, and fellow volunteers. “I’ve been part of their personal journeys, from celebrating weddings and welcoming newborns to mourning the loss of loved ones.”
That deep sense of camaraderie is something he holds dear. Whenever an officer is posted out for new assignments, Edmund makes it a point to do one final shift with them — a symbolic farewell and a toast to their friendship.
Beyond his peers, Edmund has had many memorable encounters with the public. One that stood out early in his VSC career involved a primary school-aged boy who called the police on his grandmother for “abuse” — which turned out to be her enforcing discipline, urging him to stop playing games and do his homework.
“My inner ‘teacher persona’ kicked in,” Edmund recalls. He sat the boy down and explained his grandmother’s sacrifices. By the end of the conversation, both grandmother and grandson were in tears, with the boy apologising and promising to be more appreciative — and not misuse the police hotline.
His partner’s remark — “I’ve never seen you speak with this much conviction before. That was effective!”—only reinforced the deep impact of such moments.
Edmund with participants of the Marching Contingent and Military Tattoo segments from Yuying Secondary School at the National Day Parade 2024.
One of Edmund’s most memorable volunteering experiences was contributing to relief efforts following the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey. When SCDF called for volunteers to sort and pack donated aid, Edmund was among the many CDAU officers who answered.
Edmund recalls the camaraderie that emerged: “Volunteers carpooled to the facility and worked tirelessly for up to six days, preparing 80 tonnes of aid for shipment. Witnessing such selflessness and teamwork gave me immense pride in the intrinsic goodness in people.”
Edmund (far left) and other CDAU volunteers helping to process public donations at the Changi Exhibition Centre in response to the earthquake in Turkey in February 2023.
This spirit of unity and shared purpose is something Edmund sees reflected every year on Home Team Day, serving as a reminder of the collective effort behind Singapore’s safety. “It’s a day to recognise the synergy between regulars, national servicemen and volunteers who work seamlessly across departments,” he says.
This celebration deepens his pride in being part of the Home Team and reinforces his purpose as a volunteer. To those considering volunteering with the Home Team, Edmund offers heartfelt advice: “Explore the diverse opportunities available and find a role that matches your interests and abilities. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time — start your volunteering journey today and make a difference.”
Edmund’s unwavering commitment demonstrates the profound impact of volunteerism. With passion and determination, he demonstrates how individuals can contribute meaningfully to the safety and resilience of their community.
Join the Home Team Volunteer Network and make a difference in your community today! Visit our website to learn more about our 11 different volunteer schemes and how you can contribute.
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