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On 28 December 2004 at 12.20 am, Sgt Hairil Ali and SC/Sgt Neo Kok Wei were despatched to attend to a death case at Block 394, Bukit Batok West Avenue 5. The deceased, a male Muslim Chinese, had left behind his wife, Mdm Lim and two young children aged five and seven. Mdm Lim was a Malaysian and had not made any friends in Singapore. As such, she had nobody to assist her with the funeral arrangements. Furthermore, she was unemployed and could not seek assistance from her family. She was distraught and was at a loss as to what to do. The officers helped Mdm Lim to the best of their abilities and after the case, resumed their duties.
However, Mdm Lim's distress was constantly on the minds of the officers and they could imagine how hard it was for her to go through the ordeal alone. The officers then made the decision to go the extra mile and to lend her a helping hand. After their shift ended at 8.00 am, Sgt Hairil and his team-mate SC/Cpl Raihan proceeded to Mdm Lim's house. Sgt Haril offered to drive Mdm Lim and the children to the mortuary. Thereafter, both officers assisted with the funeral arrangements, which were held at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery. Sgt Hairil and SC/Cpl Raihan (inset) stayed and helped the family until 5.00 pm when the funeral ended, even though they had not rested since starting their shift the day before.
The assistance rendered to Mdm Lim did not just end at the funeral. Sgt Hairil continued to keep in touch with her in the following weeks. As quoted by Mdm Lim:
"I am so touched by the sincerity and kindness of your officers. They went the extra mile though it was not within their expected duties. I wish to commend your officers for their dedication and devotion in serving the community. They are very EXTRAORDINARY officers!"
Commanding Officer of Bukit Batok Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), ASP Alvin Chong, commended the officers on their kind act:
"Both officers had gone beyond the call of duty to assist Mdm Lim and her family. Such actions can only be driven by a strong desire in them to make a difference to the lives of those whom they serve. Bukit Batok NPC is proud of them.
Kudos to these officers who made a difference to Mdm Lim and her children! They empathised with the family and went the extra mile to render their assistance. This is truly "Service from the Heart". |
