“I must volunteer”
Mr Tan Kim Teck at the Hotel New World
collapse incident site.
Photo: Singapore Civil Defence Force
collapse incident site.
Photo: Singapore Civil Defence Force
When Tan Kim Teck heard the news about the Hotel New World collapse,
he felt an obligation to help. “At that very moment, I knew I must
volunteer my services, for I am a trained rescuer,” he said.
Tan, then a reservist with SCDF’s 1st Rescue Battalion, quickly rushed down to the site. Alongside his colleagues, he picked through the rubble in the hope of locating surface casualties. They worked around the clock for five consecutive days.
Tan, then a reservist with SCDF’s 1st Rescue Battalion, quickly rushed down to the site. Alongside his colleagues, he picked through the rubble in the hope of locating surface casualties. They worked around the clock for five consecutive days.
Mr Tan Kim Teck in 2017.
Photo: Singapore Civil Defence Force
Photo: Singapore Civil Defence Force
On the fourth day of the search and rescue operation, Tan was
promoted to Sergeant for his bravery and initiative in volunteering
even before his unit was mobilised. He was later conferred a State
award and Public Service Star.
Tan said: “The Hotel New World collapse was a national disaster and we witnessed Singaporeans from all walks of life coming together to help. I happened to be one of them.”
Tan said: “The Hotel New World collapse was a national disaster and we witnessed Singaporeans from all walks of life coming together to help. I happened to be one of them.”