Home Team officers who died in line of duty to be commemorated

SINGAPORE — The contributions of Home Team officers who have lost their lives in the course of duty will be commemorated as part of SG50 celebrations this year, said Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean in a written Parliamentary response yesterday (Jan 20).

Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC Gan Thiam Poh had asked if the Home Affairs Ministry will consider giving an award or grant to families of the ministry’s uniformed service officers who have died while in service since 1965 — in recognition of the officers’ contributions to nation-building and as part of SG50 celebrations.

Mr Teo added the Home Team will also have a series of events to honour, thank and remember its pioneers.

He said the Home Team pioneers were instrumental in fighting many serious threats during Singapore’s critical nation building years. These include communist terrorists and assassins, violent crime, secret societies, industrial and student unrest, Konfrontasi, racial riots, drugs and major fires.

“They laid the foundations for the safe and secure home that we enjoy today. Through these events, we hope that the younger and future generations of officers will be inspired by their courage, dedication to duty and sacrifice,” said Mr Teo.

He also said that Home Team officers who passed away in the course of duty are remembered and honoured in several ways. These include award of medals, posthumous promotions and ceremonial funerals. Assistance and financial support are also provided to their families.

“We know that this will never be enough for the huge sacrifice they have made, and hope that the recognition and support will be a source of comfort for their families,” said Mr Teo. CHANNEL NEWSASIA