Ceremonial funeral held for fallen SCDF firefighter remembered for selflessness, passion for work

SINGAPORE — A ceremonial funeral was held on Monday morning (May 20) for Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer Captain Kenneth Tay Xue Qin, who died while fighting a fire on a ship last week.

A Red Rhino led the procession at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, with eight pallbearers comprising CPT Tay's colleagues and coursemates.

Wreaths were laid by SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap and commanders from the Marine Division and West Coast Marine Fire Station, before the state flag was presented to the parents of the fallen firefighter. 

A bugle call was sounded, followed by a minute of silence.

SCDF said about 200 officers witnessed the ceremonial funeral, along with Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.

CPT Tay, 30, made the "ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation", said SCDF. 

He died in the early hours of May 16 while responding to a fire that broke out in the engine room of a China-flagged tanker anchored in Singapore waters.

He lost consciousness on board the ship and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

'LAST CALL' CEREMONY

Earlier on Monday morning, officers from the SCDF honoured CPT Tay with a ceremonial last call, which was moved indoors due to the rain.

A “last fire call" is symbolised by the sounding of fire call alarms across SCDF’s 23 fire stations, including its headquarters, division headquarters and Civil Defence Academy. 

A minute of silence was held after the last fire call, and officers at other units across the island also observed the ceremony.

In a short speech at the headquarters, SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap offered his condolences to CPT Tay’s family, friends and loved ones. 

“We will remember CPT Kenneth’s selflessness, professionalism and commitment. For those of us who knew him personally, we know how passionate he was in his work,” he added. 

CPT Tay was also a paracounsellor and an advocate for his career, said Commissioner Yap. 

“This speaks volumes of his deep passion and conviction in the mission of the life saving force.” 

The blinkers and sirens of all SCDF emergency vehicles were turned on after Commissioner Yap’s message as a mark of respect to CPT Tay, said SCDF. CNA