This evening, 27 officer cadets were commissioned as full-fledged SCDF Senior Officers at the Civil Defence Academy.

This solemn parade was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs. Also in attendance were Commissioner SCDF, SCDF senior management, friends and family members of the 27 officer cadets.

These 27 officer cadets had begun their Basic Officer"s Course on 19 Dec 2005. Throughout this nine-month residential course, these cadets have undergone training in the areas of fire-fighting, rescue and fire-safety. The skills and knowledge they have acquired will enable them to discharge their duties as a SCDF frontline officer professionally.

In the speech that was addressed to the graduating cadets during the parade, Guest-of-Honour Assoc Prof Ho gave the graduating cadets a few pointers on the first steps that these cadets will be taking as Home Team officers. (Refer to the full text of Prof Ho"s speech.)

The evening ended in an atmosphere of jubilation as the 27 cadets hurled their peak caps into the air to mark the start of a momentous chapter in their lives.