Meet our dedicated SPF and community heroes who were recognised during the Home Team National Day Observance Ceremony 2024.
By: Domnic Dass
In this special feature, we shine a spotlight on remarkable individuals who’ve gone above and beyond in their service to others – Mr Dzulkhai Bin Rahmat and his family, recipients of the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Public Spiritedness); and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tan Kok Meng, recipient of the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Individual).
A Family’s Fearless Act
Imagine walking into a life-or-death situation, where every second counts. For Mr Dzulkhai and his family, this was the harsh reality on 18 November 2023. As they were heading out for lunch, they saw a man chased and grabbed hold of a person at their carpark. The individual was armed with a knife and carrying a bag of money. While struggling, the victim spotted Mr Dzulkhai and his family, shouting for assistance: “help, this is a robbery!”
The suspect was in for a surprise because there was something he didn’t know: Mr Dzulkhai was a former Singapore Police Force (SPF) officer who served for 19 years and used to be a Police Contact Tactics (PCT) instructor.
Without hesitation, Mr Dzulkhai sprang into action. He grabbed onto the suspect, but a struggle ensued, causing the knife to slip from the suspect’s hand. As his wife quickly secured the knife away, Mr Dzulkhai tripped and pinned the suspect chest-down, applying a hammer-lock technique to restrain him. “Although I left the Force eight years ago, the PCT techniques came automatically from muscle memory,” said Mr Dzulkhai.
They used their collective strength to pin down the suspect, who was well-built and putting up a fight. Mr Dzulkhai’s son came to assist, sitting on the legs, and subduing him together with the rest for close to 10 minutes until the Police arrived. “We just did what needed to be done in that moment,” Mr Dzulkhai said humbly. “We’re grateful that our actions helped bring the situation under control.”
Mr Dzulkhai’s son, Dzakir, reflected on the experience: “If I was there alone, I wouldn’t have known what to do, but seeing my father and mother fearlessly trying to pin down the suspect gave me courage to help.”
The family’s selfless act was recognised with the Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Public Spiritedness), an honour that Mr Dzulkhai humbly described as “something we never dreamt of.”
A Lifetime of Dedication
Throughout his 30-year career, DSP Tan has seen it all – from the most challenging of cases to the most heartwarming resolution. Now a Chief Investigation Officer with Ang Mo Kio Police Division, he remains committed to serving justice, driven by a sense of purpose and duty.
One of the most difficult cases that DSP Tan handled as an Investigation Supervisor involved the tragic death of a four-year-old boy due to his father’s disciplinary actions in 2022. DSP Tan and his team responded swiftly, deploying additional officers to manage the case and gather evidence.
DSP Tan also worked with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to provide psychological support to the victim’s family. During investigations, dedicated female officers were assigned to provide support to the mother and other family members: “We worked closely with MSF’s Child Protection Services for their assessment on the safety plan for their other children.”
In 2024, the father was sentenced to eight months’ jail for the offence of a rash act causing death. Recalling the case, DSP Tan noted the emotional toll on officers involved: “When we first approached the scene, it was highly distressing, but I had to be professional and manage the case appropriately.”
DSP Tan also credits his wife, who’s also a Police officer, for her understanding. “She knows the challenges and demands of being an IO, and we always make time for each other, despite our busy schedules.”
The Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award (Individual) recognises DSP Tan’s dedication, expertise and commitment to serving justice. “I’m honoured to receive this award,” he said, “but above all, policing is a team effort.”
Minister for Home Affairs National Day Awards 2024
The Ministry of Home Affairs National Day Observance Ceremony was held on 2 August 2024 at the Home Team Academy. At the Ceremony, 104 Home Team officers were recognised for their exemplary contributions; together with 30 volunteers and partner organisations; as well as 49 members of the public. Congratulations to all of this year’s Award recipients!
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