SINGAPORE: Officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) honoured Captain Kenneth Tay Xue Qin with a ceremonial last call early on Monday (May 20) morning .
The rain forced the ceremony indoors. About 200 SCDF personnel were present at the multi-purpose hall of the SCDF headquarters, as they honoured CPT Tay with a “last fire call”.
A “last fire call" is symbolised by the sounding of fire call alarms across SCDF’s 23 fire stations, including its headquarters, division headquarters and Civil Defence Academy.
CPT Tay, 30, died in the line of duty in the early hours of May 16. He was part of the first response crew for a fire that broke out in the engine room of a China-flagged tanker anchored in Singapore waters.
He lost consciousness on board the ship and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A minute of silence was held after the last fire call, and officers at other units across the island also observed the ceremony.
SCDF officers in formation during a “last call” for the late CPT Kenneth Tay Xue Qin at SCDF headquarters on May 20, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
In a short speech at the headquarters, SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap offered his condolences to CPT Tay’s family, friends and loved ones.
“We will remember CPT Kenneth’s selflessness, professionalism and commitment. For those of us who knew him personally, we know how passionate he was in his work,” he added.
SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap delivers a tribute to the late CPT Kenneth Tay Xue Qin at SCDF headquarters on May 20, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
CPT Tay was also a paracounsellor and an advocate for his career, said Commissioner Yap.
“This speaks volumes of his deep passion and conviction in the mission of the life saving force.”
After Commissioner Yap’s speech, the sirens from two Red Rhinos were sounded as a final call of respect to CPT Tay.
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The rain forced the ceremony indoors. About 200 SCDF personnel were present at the multi-purpose hall of the SCDF headquarters, as they honoured CPT Tay with a “last fire call”.
A “last fire call" is symbolised by the sounding of fire call alarms across SCDF’s 23 fire stations, including its headquarters, division headquarters and Civil Defence Academy.
CPT Tay, 30, died in the line of duty in the early hours of May 16. He was part of the first response crew for a fire that broke out in the engine room of a China-flagged tanker anchored in Singapore waters.
He lost consciousness on board the ship and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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A minute of silence was held after the last fire call, and officers at other units across the island also observed the ceremony.
SCDF officers in formation during a “last call” for the late CPT Kenneth Tay Xue Qin at SCDF headquarters on May 20, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
In a short speech at the headquarters, SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap offered his condolences to CPT Tay’s family, friends and loved ones.
“We will remember CPT Kenneth’s selflessness, professionalism and commitment. For those of us who knew him personally, we know how passionate he was in his work,” he added.
SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap delivers a tribute to the late CPT Kenneth Tay Xue Qin at SCDF headquarters on May 20, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
CPT Tay was also a paracounsellor and an advocate for his career, said Commissioner Yap.
“This speaks volumes of his deep passion and conviction in the mission of the life saving force.”
After Commissioner Yap’s speech, the sirens from two Red Rhinos were sounded as a final call of respect to CPT Tay.
Continue reading...