Generations of Police officers have contributed to making Singapore one of the safest cities in the world, and those who are no longer in service continue to share a bond like no other!
By: Leow Su Ling
Once blue, always blue!
Officers of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) are united by a common sense of duty and countless shared experiences on the ground. They know what it takes to give their best every day to keep Singapore safe and secure.
A veteran retired officer who cherishes this bond well is Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Ret) Richard Goh, the Vice President of the Singapore Police Retirees’ Association (SPRA). Formed in 2003, the SPRA is a registered society that brings together Police retirees and former officers. Mr Goh shares more about their sense of camaraderie.
Tell us about your journey in the SPF.
I joined the SPF in September 1967 and served with the Force for almost 50 years. I started as a Police constable at Central Police Division. Subsequently, I was promoted to a Probationary Inspector and served as a senior officer in various units such as the Police Academy, Special Operations Command, Criminal Investigation Department, Police Operations Department. I was posted to Tanglin Police Division as a Head of Manpower, Administration and Logistics in 1996, and retired as Head, Support & Technical Officer, in 2017 at the age of 66.
What are your responsibilities as the Vice President of the SPRA?
To enhance the lives of former officers, my responsibilities include assisting retiring officers with career transitioning and organising social activities such as our monthly gatherings, festive celebrations and our annual Dinner & Dance.
What’s been your most memorable event with the SPRA?
That would have to be the SPRA Anniversary Dinner & Dance in December 2022, which we held after postponing it for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of the night was “Let’s Reconnect” and I was glad to see the guests happily catching up with one another. I met many former colleagues who shared their memories of our policing journey. The event also included a Parliamentary Toast in recognition of the Singapore Parliament passing a motion in August 2021 to commemorate 200 years of the SPF and honouring the contributions of Police officers.
How has the SPRA developed over the past 20 years?
There’s been a growth in our membership and participation numbers for SPRA-organised events. We currently have about 1,800 members. In January 2023, we resumed our monthly walk at Bishan Park, which we’d stopped for two years due to the pandemic. I hope that we can all have a fulfilling and vibrant retirement while forging strong friendships through SPRA events.
What’s your vision for the SPRA?
The SPRA will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and my aspirations for it are two-fold. Firstly, I’d like to organise and promote more activities to enhance the retirement of our members. Secondly, I wish to create cherished memories for members to honour their contributions to making Singapore one of the safest cities in the world. To our members and those who’ll be joining the SPRA, take pride in your policing career as you’ve safeguarded Singapore’s way of life during very difficult years, from post-Independence to the present day!
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