Blazing his own path: From volunteer firefighter to career SCDF officer

The Ceremonial Axe is presented to all SCDF Senior Officers upon their completion of the seven-month Rota Commander Course (RCC). It symbolises the beginning of their new journey as SCDF officers. PHOTO: SCDF

At the core of every emergency responder’s heart lies a steadfast commitment to service, a resolve to save lives, and an unwavering determination to safeguard others.

Meet Lieutenant (LTA) LTA See Jin Kang, who has transitioned from a volunteer firefighter with the Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit (CDAU) to a career officer with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Together with his batchmates in the 28^th RCC, LTA Jin Kang underwent a seven-month training programme at the Civil Defence Academy, where they were trained in firefighting, rescue, mitigation of hazardous materials, and incident command.

LTA See Jin Kang at the 28^th Rota Commander Course Commissioning Parade. PHOTO: SCDF/Thomas Lim

Earlier this month, LTA Jin Kang reached a notable milestone, graduating from the RCC and posting to Clementi Fire Station as a Rota Commander. Despite the light drizzle dampening his uniform during the Commissioning Parade, LTA Jin Kang’s excitement and enthusiasm was undiminished.

After the parade, Rescue995 caught up with LTA Jin Kang to find out more about his journey from a volunteer firefighter to a career officer.

LTA See Jin Kang (right) sharing his journey from a volunteer firefighter to an SCDF officer. PHOTO: SCDF

The Officer Cadet (OCTs) from the 28^th RCC at the Commissioning Parade. PHOTO: SCDF

Rescue995: Could you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to volunteer as a firefighter with CDAU?

LTA Jin Kang: I had previously worked at the Health Promotion Board, first as an intern, then in a contractual role. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, I decided to join the CDAU as a volunteer firefighter. Throughout the Volunteer Firefighting Course (VFFC), my interest in a career with the SCDF grew. Therefore, I made the most of my time at the VFFC and CDAU duties, experiencing the satisfaction and challenges of life as a frontliner. After graduating with a degree in marketing from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, I decided to commit myself to a career with SCDF.

Rescue995: Do you have any particularly memorable experiences to share from your time as a CDAU volunteer firefighter?

LTA Jin Kang: I do have one memorable experience from my days as a CDAU trainee. We were participating in ‘Exercise Bad Breath’, an Urban Search and Rescue exercise. Set in a simulated collapsed structure, we had to navigate through confined spaces and water-logged tunnels in full firefighting gear, to rescue a ‘casualty’.  It was an incredibly humbling experience that taught us the importance of teamwork, perseverance and resilience in the frontlines.

Rescue995: How have your experiences in CDAU shaped your understanding of SCDF and your daily life?

LTA Jin Kang: I have learnt a lot from my stint with the CDAU. Before that, I had a very basic understanding of the training that SCDF’s Fire and Rescue Specialists undergo, such as donning the bunker gear, coping with extreme heat, and handling  various types of rescue equipment. However, I did not know about the specific protocols and decision-making processes, when faced with challenging fire and rescue incidents.

My VFFC instructors, Warrant Officer (WO2) Abu Bakar and WO2 Muhamad Asri, shared their valuable real-life experiences from the fireground, highlighting how dynamic and unpredictable emergencies can be, reminding us to be constantly vigilant. I would not have gained these insights, if not for my time with the CDAU.

Through the VFFC, I also began to appreciate the importance of functional fitness, going beyond physical health and regular exercise, encompassing mental endurance and self-discipline too. As a volunteer emergency responder, I started to dedicate myself to achieving this gradually.

Rescue995: What inspired you to transition from a volunteer firefighter to a career officer with the SCDF?

LTA Jin Kang: When I was 9 years old, a doctor performed three thyroid tumour surgeries on me to save my life. Thanks to his timely intervention, I was given a second chance at life. This inspired me to make the most of my life, channelling my energy towards helping others and saving lives. As I grew older, I tailored my strengths to this life purpose. My brief stint as a CDAU volunteer helped me to confirm that this was the career path I wanted to pursue and enjoy.

Rescue995: How have your prior experiences as a volunteer firefighter been beneficial during your RCC training?

LTA Jin Kang: The VFFC conditioned us well for the rigours of firefighting and rescue operations. We went through heat acclimatisation exercises, learning to work in extreme heat and humidity conditions in full firefighting gear. Being mentally prepared for the rigours of such training really helped me out in the early stages of the RCC. I was also able to share some of this knowledge with my batchmates and encourage them as  we went through the training together.

Rescue995: Despite your experience as a volunteer firefighter, what additional value did the RCC provide? How will this prepare you for your career?

LTA Jin Kang: I learnt two important lessons from the RCC, which I believe will be crucial in my future role as a Rota commander. Firstly, we need to consider and prioritise the needs and feelings of others, which can be best done by showing genuine concern for our colleagues and being receptive to their advice. Secondly, humility is very important, regardless of your strengths or shortcomings. This requires us to be self-directed learners and seize opportunities to enhance our professional skills.

I am glad to have graduated from the RCC and am looking forward to starting my journey as an SCDF  officer. For sure, there will be many challenges ahead as a Rota Commander, but I look forward to them and doing my best for the SCDF and the people we serve!