Heroic Police Officer Overcomes Immense Pressure to Battle Covid-19, Receives Prestigious Award

Honouring Our Heroes: The Unsung Efforts of Home Team Officers During Covid-19

As we look back to April 2020, Singapore was grappling with a surge in Covid-19 cases. Quarantine and isolation facilities sprang up in dormitories, hotels, and even chalets. Amidst this chaos, Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Tan Su Leng found herself inundated with messages daily. Her role? Overseeing security at these facilities, managing migrant workers’ dormitories, and ensuring safe management measures were in place.

The Weight of Responsibility

With 25 years in the Singapore Police Force under her belt, Tan was no stranger to pressure. In a recent interview, she shared how she would wake up to find herself added to numerous chat groups, each buzzing with urgent updates. At the helm of a team of seven officers, Tan collaborated with various agencies to tackle law and order issues, especially at supermarkets and dormitories.

The constant worry that they might become a “single point of failure” weighed heavily on her. Before Covid-19, her team had dealt with a smaller public health crisis in 2019 when a Nigerian national tested positive for monkeypox. That experience, while challenging, seemed manageable. However, as Covid-19 cases began to rise, Tan’s plans quickly became obsolete.

Adapting to Unprecedented Challenges

“Every day brought new challenges,” Tan recalled. The rapid evolution of the situation forced her team to create fresh plans on the fly. Relief washed over her when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the circuit breaker in April 2020. It felt like a turning point.

Tan remembered the countless late nights her team spent solidifying contingency plans, even missing out on festive gatherings like Chinese New Year. “The clear guidance from my superiors and the strong spirit of teamwork among my officers were incredibly reassuring,” she said.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Tan’s dedication did not go unnoticed. She was among the 3,036 recipients of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) Covid-19 awards, receiving the Public Administration Medal (Bronze). During the awards ceremony at Singapore Expo, Minister for Law and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam expressed heartfelt gratitude to all Home Team officers for their tireless efforts during the pandemic.

He acknowledged that many officers were on the frontlines, managing emergency medical services, conducting swabbing operations, and securing quarantine facilities. Their hard work was instrumental in navigating the crisis and emerging stronger.

Continuing the Spirit of Appreciation

As we reflect on these efforts, it’s crucial to ensure that recognition for our Home Team officers continues beyond just headlines. Here are some ways we can sustain this appreciation:

• Ongoing Communication: Regularly highlight the contributions of Home Team officers through social media, news outlets, and community events to keep the public engaged.
• Regular Appreciation Events: Host events to honour these officers, including awards and public acknowledgments of their hard work.
• Supportive Work Environment: Foster a culture of respect and recognition within the organization, providing opportunities for professional growth and fair remuneration.
• Community Collaboration: Partner with local organizations to create initiatives that show appreciation, such as volunteer programs and community outreach events.
• Long-Term Benefits: Offer career progression opportunities and attractive retirement packages to motivate and retain dedicated officers.

By implementing these steps, we can ensure that the recognition of our Home Team officers transcends mere news highlights, becoming a lasting commitment to their well-being and invaluable contributions to society.

For more insights on the efforts of our Home Team, visit Ministry of Home Affairs.