A 38-year-old Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer is set to face charges in court stemming from a tragic incident that unfolded on December 8 last year, resulting in the death of a full-time national serviceman (NSF), Sergeant Edward H Go, who was just 19 years old at the time of his death, according to TODAY.
The Tragic Incident
On that fateful day at Block 91 Henderson Road, a fire broke out, posing a significant threat to the residents. Sergeant Edward H Go, an SCDF NSF, was at the forefront of the firefighting efforts.
What makes this incident particularly disturbing is that his superior, a 38-year-old SCDF officer, allegedly left Edward alone in the housing unit to battle the ongoing fire without telling anyone, which goes against the SCDF’s firefighting doctrine.
The Charges
The police have investigated this incident thoroughly and have decided to charge the 38-year-old officer with causing grievous hurt by a rash act that endangers the life or personal safety of others.
The consequences for such an act can be severe, with a possible jail term of up to four years or a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.
The SCDF’s Response
In response to this incident, the SCDF has also taken action against another officer. This second officer allegedly failed to ensure the overall safety of the firefighting operation when he assumed command and control of the incident.
SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap has stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted in this case, and if any lapses are found, firm and fair disciplinary actions will be taken.
Recap
On 8 December 2022, SCDF was alerted to a fire at 91 Henderson Road at around 11.10am. During the firefighting operation, CPL Edward H Go (吴宏澤), 19, fell unconscious in the kitchen area. He was brought out of the unit and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was administered on him. An SCDF ambulance crew at the scene also used the automated external defibrillator on him and conveyed him to Singapore General Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
CPL Edward enlisted with the SCDF to serve his National Service on 5 January 2022. He began his 12 weeks of training as a firefighter on 3 February 2022 and completed his training on 28 April 2022. Prior to enlistment, CPL Edward was certified medically fit and assessed to be of Physical Employment Standards’ (PES) ‘A’. After completing his Firefighter Course, CPL Edward was posted to Central Fire Station on 4 May 2022. Since his posting to the fire station, he had responded to more than 20 fire and rescue incidents.
SCDF frontline units comprise regulars, Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen), all of whom are trained to carry out roles as Rota Commanders, Section Commanders or Firefighters. In a fire or rescue emergency, officers of these vocations form a composite crew to respond to the incident. All the training for these different roles and responsibilities are carried out centrally at the Civil Defence Academy through various firefighting and rescue courses.
CPL Edward was part of the first response crew for the fire incident on 8 December 2022. SCDF officers, like CPL Edward, put their lives on the line each time they enter the scene of a fire in order to save others.
SCDF is deeply saddened by the death of CPL Edward. He is our first colleague to have fallen during an operation. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, and are providing them with our fullest support. With the agreement of the family, we will be holding a ceremonial funeral to honour CPL Edward H Go.