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SGT Nur Fadilah (N): It was about 10pm on 22 June when we received a call telling us that a unit at Marsiling Crescent was on fire. Franco was my patrol partner that night. He’s a full-time Police National Serviceman who joined the Woodlands West NPC just two months ago.
SC Franco Kam (F): Being a GRF officer has been an eye-opening experience! I felt quite assured being with Fadilah as we headed to the scene. She’s been in the Force for over 13 years.
N: As we entered the carpark, we saw a group of residents had already gathered at the foot of the block. I looked up and saw thick black smoke coming out from the unit on the second floor.
N: When they saw our vehicle, the residents started waving at us to get our attention. One of the residents urgently told us that there were people still trapped in the unit. We had to act fast.
F: It was shocking to see that the smoke had reached all the way down to the first floor lift landing. With a fire extinguisher in hand, I ran up the stairwell together with Fadilah.
N: Outside the unit, the smoke was tremendously thick and we had poor visibility. Franco started calling out “Is there anyone inside?”. That was when we heard cries coming from the living room.
F: We didn’t think twice. Both of us immediately dashed into the burning unit towards the sound of the crying child. I searched around with my torchlight and saw a small boy curled up on the living room floor.
N: I remembered thinking how much the boy reminded me of my three-year-old son at home and how important it was to get him to safety. He grabbed on to me tightly as I quickly carried him on my shoulders and ran out of the house.
F: As Fadilah brought the boy out, I took a second glance around to ensure we didn’t leave anyone else behind. That was when I spotted another boy curled up on the sofa. He wasn’t making any noise at all and I feared for the worst. To my great relief he started bawling the moment I carried him out.
N: The whole sequence of events happened so quickly – less than five minutes?
F: Yes, it happened so fast. It really felt like Fadilah and I were operating on instinct!
N: After we reunited the boys downstairs, the paramedics attended to them. I felt so relieved to find out later that both children were in safe hands. As both a police officer and as a mother, this had to be one of the most significant and unforgettable incidents I attended to.
F: This is what I signed up for. Policing is not just about maintaining law and order, but it is also about protecting and saving lives.
