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On 4 November 2025, a loud bang shattered the quiet of Sergeant (Sgt) Muhammad Sadiq Bin Soharno's off day. The Airport Police Division patrol officer was resting at his Woodlands home when the sound jolted him from his evening routine.
“When I heard the bang, I immediately felt concerned,” recalls Sgt Sadiq. “I went to the window and saw a car below at the carpark, with a few people around it looking at the tyres and shouting. From their reactions, I could tell something was wrong.”
Without hesitation, Sgt Sadiq called 995 and rushed downstairs: “I didn't overthink it; my instinct was simply to check the situation and see if anyone needed help.”
A Scene of Crisis
The scene that greeted him was a nightmare: a woman trapped beneath a vehicle, her arm pinned under the crushing weight of metal and machinery. Sgt Sadiq immediately called 995, ensuring medical assistance was on the way.
“When I saw the lady trapped under the vehicle with her arm pinned, I immediately went into response mode,” he recalls. Despite having served in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for slightly more than a year, his training kicked in with remarkable precision.
Drawing upon his unique dual background – having served as a firefighter during his National Service (NS) at Jurong Island Fire Station with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and his ongoing Police training – Sgt Sadiq began conducting checks to ensure the victim remained conscious and breathing. “I was able to draw on both my SCDF and Police skillsets,” he recalls.
Taking Command
But technical skills alone would not be enough. The car needed to be lifted, and that required coordination, leadership and the trust of complete strangers who gathered at the scene.
“During emergencies, someone needs to step forward and provide clear direction,” Sgt Sadiq reflects.
What struck him was how readily people responded to the crisis. Despite the chaos, bystanders rushed forward, eager to help and willing to follow his guidance without question. He quickly organised them into an impromptu rescue team.
“When I realised the situation was critical and that the car needed to be lifted safely, I knew coordination was necessary,” he says. “What amazed me was how quickly everyone came together – people didn't ask questions; they just stepped up and followed the plan.”
With methodical precision, he coordinated the lift: “My main focus was to secure her neck properly, coordinate everyone clearly by counting together to lift the car and free the lady in a controlled and safe manner.”
The countdown – “one, two, three” – became the rhythm that united strangers in a moment of shared purpose.
“The moment felt very fast and intense. There was definitely an adrenaline rush. However, I reminded myself to stay composed and calm, despite the chaos,” he recalls. “I was aware of the risks, especially when I saw blood under her. I was concerned about causing further injury while moving her.”
Beyond the Rescue
Sgt Sadiq’s response extended beyond the technical rescue. He worked to keep her calm through a gentle tone of voice, eye contact and simple gestures. When he noticed a group of frightened young children watching nearby, he advised them to stay away.
“In emergencies, technical skills are important, but so is empathy,” he notes. “Panic can worsen a situation, so I made a conscious effort to speak gently and provide comfort while carrying out the necessary procedures.”
The rescue succeeded. The woman was freed and received medical attention, her life saved through the coordinated efforts of strangers who become heroes. As SCDF paramedics attended to the victim, Sgt Sadiq rushed to the victim’s home to update her next-of-kin about what had happened.
“Working together, I truly felt the community spirit, with people of all ages coming together for one purpose,” Sgt Sadiq recalls. “When she was finally freed, I felt a deep sense of relief.”
The Weight of Recognition and Legacy
For his efforts, Sgt Sadiq received the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award, which is presented to those who demonstrate bravery and public spirit by saving lives during an emergency. “I felt slightly uncomfortable with the attention because I was just fulfilling my responsibility as a trained officer.”
His perspective on service runs deeper than professional duty. Having served his NS with SCDF as a firefighter, he developed a strong sense of duty towards others. Joining the SPF was a natural progression – one that is especially meaningful because his late grandfather also served in the Force.
The award now serves as a reminder of that evening when ordinary people did extraordinary things. “I hope people realise that helping one another is a shared responsibility,” says Sgt Sadiq. “Sometimes, all it takes is one person to step forward first.”
