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Singapour: SCDF Officer Faces Consequences for Negligence Leading to Fallen NSF's Tragic End

In a somber turn of events, new details have emerged about the 38-year-old Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer, Muhammad Kamil Mohamed Yasin. Kamil found himself in the spotlight due to his role as the superior of the late full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Sergeant 1 (SGT1) Edward H Go. The tragic incident unfolded on December 8, 2022, during a firefighting operation in a unit on the fourth floor at Block 91 Henderson Road.

Heartbreakingly, Kamil allegedly left the 19-year-old Go alone to battle a raging fire without informing anyone during this critical operation. Go was later discovered unconscious in the kitchen and transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to suffocation due to a depleted air cylinder. His passing marked a sorrowful milestone as the first firefighter to fall in the line of duty during an operation in Singapore.

After months of investigations, on October 14, 2023, the Singapore Police Force announced that Kamil would be charged with causing grievous harm by a reckless act that endangered the life and personal safety of others, directly linked to Go's unfortunate demise.

The SCDF, in a same-day statement, revealed that another of its officers was also under scrutiny in connection with Go's death. This officer allegedly failed to ensure the overall safety of the firefighting operation at Henderson Road on December 8, 2022, when he took over command and control. The developments were disheartening, shedding light on the grave consequences of actions or inactions within the firefighting profession.

Subsequently, on October 16, Kamil faced charges for purportedly exiting the unit without notifying anyone that he had left Go alone while a fire was still raging, as disclosed in court documents reported by CNA. The gravity of these allegations cast a long shadow on Kamil's career and, more importantly, the loss of a young firefighter.

In a recent statement released on October 21, 2023, the SCDF disclosed that Kamil, identified as a "warrant officer 2," had been interdicted and placed on half pay starting October 19, 2023. Furthermore, Kamil had already been removed from front-line duties since August 23, 2023, as the organization grappled with the implications of the tragic incident.

The SCDF, profoundly affected by the incident, decided to introduce a series of measures to prevent such heart-wrenching events in the future. Their commitment to enhancing safety and accountability is evident in the changes they have implemented and will continue to introduce.

Since September 18, 2023, the SCDF has mandated the establishment of a control point overseen by a breathing apparatus control officer for all residential fires. This control point plays a pivotal role in tracking the deployment of firefighters, ensuring operational safety, and confirming the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the fire scene. Additionally, the breathing apparatus control officer monitors the air levels in firefighters' breathing apparatus sets and plans for their replacement during ongoing operations.

Further measures include equipping officers with personal identification markers on their helmets by March 2024, while section commanders will be issued body-worn cameras. These cameras will not only enhance the quality of post-incident reviews but also enable live streaming to the SCDF Operations Centre from May 2024.

The SCDF also noted several recommendations from their review, including comprehensive enhancements to the selection and training of ground commanders. Emphasizing the importance of command responsibility and command and control capabilities, these changes reflect the organization's commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its personnel during firefighting operations.

As Singapore's firefighting community grapples with the loss of one of its own, these measures aim to honor the memory of Sergeant 1 (SGT1) Edward H Go and work towards a safer and more accountable future for all SCDF officers.

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