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Growing Up in Blue

For Sergeant (Sgt) Mohammad Rifqi Bin Mohammad Rafiq, a Ground Response Force officer at Bukit Batok Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC), childhood meant growing up in a household where discipline wasn’t just a rule, it was a way of life. Responsibility, respect and integrity weren’t abstract values; they were lived out daily by the man of the house, even on his days off.

“I witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact of his work in safeguarding our community, even when he's off duty,” Sgt Rifqi shares. “Seeing the difference he made in the lives of others inspired me to pursue a career where I could contribute in the same way.”

But it wasn’t just his father’s dedication to the job that left an impression. It was the way that he led – quietly, consistently and always putting others first.

“As both a father and a Police officer, he leads by example and puts others before himself,” Sgt Rifqi says. “Seeing the respect and trust he earns from the officers under his charge, or even among his peers, has inspired me to become a better person – both as an officer and a son, and also a future leader one day in the Force.”

A Heart-to-Heart Talk

ASP Mohammad Rafiq Bin Zahiruddin, Training Officer, Police Operations Command Centre, recalls that Sgt Rifqi didn’t tell him first when he decided to sign on with the SPF. “He actually told his mother first that he wanted to sign on,” ASP Rafiq says with a laugh. “He only told me later.”

It wasn’t long before father and son sat down for a proper heart-to-heart talk. ASP Rafiq asked him plainly why he really wanted to sign on, and Sgt Rifqi’s answer was simple, sincere and unwavering: “It's always been my childhood dream.”

With that, ASP Rafiq gave his blessing.

Where It All Began

There’s also a detail that clearly means a great deal to ASP Rafiq. Sgt Rifqi began his policing career at Jurong Police Division and Bukit Batok NPC (now merged with Bukit Panjang NPC), which is the very same place where his father had started his own journey in the Force, decades earlier.

“I’m proud of him because he continues my legacy at the same place where I started my career,” ASP Rafiq says.

Off the Clock, Still Family

Of course, the bond between ASP Rafiq and Sgt Rifqi extends well beyond the uniform. Away from the demands of the job, ASP Rafiq finds his rhythm on the bowling lanes, while Sgt Rifqi prefers to pound the pavement on his runs. But when they’re together, it’s all about family time.

One of their favourite routines is a spontaneous night drive across the Causeway to Johor Bahru to have supper together, away from the bustle of the city. It’s in these simple, unhurried moments that their father-son bond is perhaps the strongest of all.

Gratitude, Going Both Ways

This Father's Day, Sgt Rifqi knows exactly what he wants to say. “I’d like to thank my father for his unwavering support, guidance and sacrifices throughout my life,” he shares. “His constant encouragement and reminders have shaped my values and helped me become the person I am today. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the example he sets as both a devoted father to our family and a dedicated Police officer in the Force.”

And ASP Rafiq’s advice to his son, as he continues his policing journey, is as straightforward as the man himself: “Policing isn’t an easy job. Always be humble, work hard and do the right thing.”

Words to live by, on and off duty. Happy Father’s Day to all the Police dads out there, and to the families who stand proudly behind them!