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As a child, Ahmad Mirza Bin Misrawi would perk up whenever he heard sirens in the distance. Watching SCDF emergency vehicles responding was more than just flashes of light and sound; it was the purpose behind each call.
At home, Mirza grew up watching his grandfather, WO2 (Ret.) Abdul Rahman Bin Hassan, and uncle, SGT3 Mohammad Dzaffir Bin Abdul Rahman, serve as firefighters in the SCDF. What started as a fascination in their work gradually developed into a quiet determination to follow in their footsteps.
Ahmad Mirza Bin Misrawi (centre), 14, with his grandfather, WO2 (Ret.) Abdul Rahman Bin Hassan (right), and his uncle, SGT3 Mohammad Dzaffir Bin Abdul Rahman. PHOTO: SCDF
WO2 (Ret.) Rahman’s career in the SCDF spanned nearly four decades. He joined the Singapore Fire Service in 1986, before its merger with the Civil Defence, and served in multiple fire stations. He then spent nearly 20 years training new generations of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and regular officers in firefighting and rescue operations.
As an instructor, WO2 (Ret.) Rahman found fulfilment not just in teaching operational skills, but also in shaping and moulding young SCDF officers. “The training equips you with the knowledge and skills to respond to diverse situations,” he shared. “But technique aside, firefighting is also about discipline.”
WO2 (Ret.) Rahman is now an instructor with COSEM, teaching international trainees at the Civil Defence Academy. PHOTO: SCDF
Discipline is a part of life at home, especially for his eldest son, SGT3 Dzaffir. “As a father, he is very firm in inculcating the right values in his children. As an instructor, he held everyone to the same standards, but also encouraged us to learn and grow on our own,” SGT3 Dzaffir shared.
“Being his son meant the expectations were higher,” he added. “Over the years, I have come to understand why. Apart from skill and discipline, our line of work requires dedication to our lifesaving mission.”
SGT3 Dzaffir is a Section Commander at Kallang Fire Station. PHOTO: SCDF
Now, SGT3 Dzaffir strives to instil the same values in his team. “It’s not just being physically present in the fire station for a 24-hour shift. Rather, it’s about carrying the right mindset and values with you, even off-duty,” he explained. “I hope to see my firefighters do well, not just in SCDF, but also in other aspects of their lives.”
Listening to their stories on the frontline, Mirza’s admiration for his grandfather and uncle inspired him to contribute in his own way.
In 2024, he joined the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC), where he learnt first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as well as the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a fire extinguisher.
Equipped with these lifesaving skills, he began responding to minor fires and suspected cardiac arrest incidents whenever he received alerts on the myResponder mobile app.
After school, Mirza would cycle around his neighbourhood, carrying a ready bag with his personal items, and respond to any alert on the myResponder app. To date, he has responded to over 30 incidents.
In one challenging and memorable incident, Mirza had to climb multiple flights of stairs to contain a minor fire on the 16th floor of a residential housing block. Most recently on 11 May 2025, he used a water hose to contain a fire at a centralised rubbish chute before the arrival of SCDF.
LTC Shafi' Rafie (left), Head Community Engagement at 3rd SCDF Division, presented the Community First Responder Award to Mirza (centre) for putting out the rubbish chute fire. LTC Kanagavelan Munusamy (right), Commandant NCDCC, and Mirza’s family members were present to witness his achievement. PHOTO: 3RD SCDF DIVISION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BRANCH
“We did not know about his daily routine, so we were surprised when we found out he had responded to more than 30 incidents,” SGT3 Dzaffir said with a laugh. “Initially, we were concerned, but with the lifesaving skills that he has learnt at NCDCC, we are confident in his ability to respond to emergencies.”
“We always remind him to prioritise his own safety,” WO2 (Ret.) Rahman added. “When I see Mirza respond to an incident, I see a part of myself in him. He knows what to do in an emergency.”
Nodding in agreement, SGT3 Dzaffir shared, “Seeing him grow up to be a disciplined, independent, and responsible young adult makes us proud. Above all, he has a firm mindset to help people, and we value this trait in every responder.”
Mirza’s favourite SCDF vehicle is the Pump Ladder, also known as the fire engine. PHOTO: SCDF
Today, Mirza continues to share his experiences with fellow NCDCC cadets and students who are keen to join NCDCC, encouraging others to become community first responders. “As each incident is different, I want to continue learning on the ground,” Mirza said, noting that his experiences have strengthened his resolve to become a firefighter.
He hopes to one day serve in the SCDF as a Rota Commander, leading his team in emergency response and nurturing the next generation of SCDF officers. For him, protecting and saving lives and property is not just a calling; it is a cherished legacy he carries with pride.