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AsiaOne
a day ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'I feel incredibly honoured': Drum major who dreamed of role as teen leads Singapore Police Force Band in centennial celebration, Singapore News
As a teen, he watched his senior, a drum major, with admiration as the latter skillfully spun his mace while leading their school band. Nearly 17 years later, Station Inspector Muhammad Rasul Md Razali found himself in the same position. But instead of a school band, he led the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Band at the Police Day Observance Ceremony, which also marked its centenary. "I feel incredibly honoured to lead the band once again, especially this year when celebrating our 100 year anniversary," Rasul told media, referring to it as a "significant milestone". He was appointed to lead the band for their performance for the 2025 Police Day Observation Ceremony last year as well. "I hope to continue this legacy together with my fellow musicians," he continued, adding that the SPF Band, which is Singapore's oldest uniformed band, has a very rich history. In an interview with the media, Rasul, 33, said he first heard about the SPF Band while attending the NCO band major course at age 16. There he met the band's concertmaster at the time — who is now team leader of its woodwind section. "I had never heard about the SPF Band before, and that's why I talked to him. He guided me through what kind of choices I might have in the band too," Rasul said. The chance encounter developed into a close mentorship and friendship, which encouraged him to pursue a diploma in music, audio and technology at Singapore Polytechnic after completing his O-Level examinations. When Rasul was assigned to the SPF for National Service (NS) in 2013, he was encouraged by the same mentor to audition for the band and was accepted as a trumpet player. One year into NS, he decided that he wanted to be a full-time musician in the SPF Band and successfully applied to become a regular in the force, Rasul said. Over the years, he rose through the ranks in the band, and was chosen to attend the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Drum Major Course before getting certified in 2022. Rasul also shared that in order to prepare for the role, he started practicing the moment he was informed about his current appointment. While he usually practices with his mace two to three hours daily, he amps it up to up to eight hours a day as the performance date approaches. "Whenever we have band practice...I'll just be there while the band (members) are figuring out their positions, practicing my mace," he said. Explaining that the SPF Band has multiple drum majors who lead different performances, Rasul said that while he is not preparing to be the drum major for a particular performance, he is the band's chief musician. "So if I don't hold the mace, I will be playing my trumpet," he said, adding that he also provides musical direction to the band and facilitates rehearsals when he is not drum major. Unveiling of centennial mace by SPF Band Police Day has been commemorated annually on June 3 since 1971. This year's observance ceremony, held at the Home Team Academy, not only commemorates the SPF Band's centennial, but also the Police National Service's (PNS) 50 year anniversary. To commemorate the SPF Band's 100th year in service, the Centennial Mace — a specially designed ceremonial mace — was also unveiled during the ceremony. It was received by on behalf of the SPF Band by Superintendent of Police Sulaiman Bin Abdul Wahab, Director of Music, who then presented it to Rasul. Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong spoke at the event, addressing both full-time and PNS officers. Tong said that PNS has played a vital role in strengthening the nation's safety and security since its introduction in 1975. It has since grown to encompass more specialised roles such as those in cybersecurity, the police coast guard and traffic police. "Our PNS officers have stood shoulder to shoulder with their regular counterparts in frontline operational roles daily," said Tong. "They patrol our streets, respond to incidents, and are a visible presence in keeping our communities safe. When performing their frontline duties, they often have to make quick decisions, sometimes to protect the lives of others." Also addressing the SPF Band, Tong said it is "an important institution in upholding our traditions". "Its music has accompanied police officers and Singaporeans through parades, national ceremonies and special occasions" "Both domestically and on the international stage – sometimes as the only Asian band – the Band serves as cultural ambassadors for the SPF." "On top of showcasing Singapore's rich cultural heritage, the Band also demonstrates that policing is not just about enforcing the law, but also about connecting with the community we serve." Tong also presented awards to divisions and officers that displayed exemplary performance. One of the awards presented at the ceremony was that for the Best Land Division, which was won by the Central Police Division this year. Commander of the Central Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Wong Keng Hoe received the award on their behalf. "This award recognises the professionalism, operational excellence and dedication demonstrated by officers," he said. "This would not have been possible without the vital contributions of grassroots organisations, schools and industry partners who have worked closely with our officers' families, who have given them their fullest support to carry out their duties effectively." [[nid:642882]]
Straits Times
a day ago
- General
- Straits Times
Servicemen's contributions recognised at Police Day Parade
SINGAPORE – 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Police National Service (PNS), which was conceived after a terror incident in Singapore. And PNS officers have contributed much to keeping the country safe, said Mr Edwin Tong, who was attending his first police event as the second minister for Home Affairs. He made these comments on June 3 at the Police Day observance ceremony, which took place at the Home Team Academy at Choa Chu Kang. Mr Tong, who is also the Minister for Law, thanked police officers past and present for their sacrifices . He said: 'Policing, we know, is an inherently challenging profession. Threats to our public order and security remain ever present, and your operating environment is increasingly complex and highly demanding. 'Thank you for your steadfast dedication round the clock, for putting your lives on the line to uphold and enforce our laws, to keep Singapore safe and secure.' PNS was introduced in 1975, a year after the Laju incident, in which four armed attackers targeted the oil refinery on Pulau Bukom and hijacked a ferry, called the Laju, with civilians onboard. It was Singapore's first brush with international terrorism. The hostages were released after a group of 13 'guarantors', including former President S R Nathan, boarded the vessel to take their place. Said Mr Tong: 'We recognised the urgent need to strengthen the protection of our vital installations. And so, full-time PNS was introduced — where their role was established to serve as a credible deterrent against future threats.' PNS officers now work with regular police officers to perform frontline duties such as patrolling the streets and responding to incidents. Mr Tong said that in the recent general election more than 8,000 PNS officers were recalled and deployed at rallies, polling stations and counting centres to control crowds and ensure public safety. Two batches of NSCOs have been deployed to the Anti-Scam Command and Cybercrime Command. NSCOs detect and disrupt cybercrimes and scams, including operating the ScamShield dashboard to review user-reported scams. Said Mr Tong: 'They are at the forefront of safeguarding Singapore's digital space as our new generation of cyber defenders.' Scams and cybercrimes account for the majority of crime in Singapore. A record $1.1 billion was lost here to scams in 2024. To commemorate the 50 years of PNS, Mr Tong announced that SPF will be holding a series of events including the launch of a PNS50 time capsule, and a graduation parade for the 200th PNSF intake. Said Mr Tong: 'To our PNS officers, both past and present, thank you very much for stepping up to serve the nation, taking your training seriously, and discharging your duties with the utmost professionalism. 'You have played an invaluable role in keeping Singapore safe and secure. To your families and employers, thank you too for your support as our PNSmen perform their duties.' Police day also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) band. Established in 1925, it is the oldest uniformed band in Singapore, consisting of more than 60 officers. In recognition of their achievements in 2024, the police Central Division was lauded as the Best Land Division during the ceremony. It is the second time it has received the award, after winning it in 2018. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Wong Keng Hoe, commander of the Police Central Division, received the award from Mr Tong during the ceremony. DAC Wong told the media in an interview on June 2 that the award was due to the efforts of his predecessors and his officers on the ground. In 2024, the Central Division was responsible for ensuring the safety of the public during the Marina Bay Countdown 2025 and taking down scam syndicates who were trying to cheat retailers of electronic devices and jewellery. The runners-up for the Best Land Division were Clementi Police Division and Jurong Police Division. Tanglin Police Division was named Best NS Operationally Ready Unit, with Jurong Police Division and Woodlands Police Division achieving second and third place respectively. The award recognises national service divisions for their management of NS men in fitness, operations and recall rates. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Burnside honors four late town marshals in memorial ceremony
Despite adverse conditions — a lack of electricity and water in the city following Friday's tornado — Burnside officials came together on Saturday to honor four of the community's officers of the law who made the greatest possible sacrifice in the line of duty. The Burnside Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony went on as planned this past weekend, with families of those being honored coming in from all over the country — not just Kentucky, but Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, and even California and Florida. An estimated 200 people were present at Cole Park for the ceremony. Four town marshals — a position that eventually evolved into Burnside Chief of Police — who were killed as a result of their service to the community were honored, with their names being placed on the monument at the Burnside Memorial Garden at Cole Park. Burnside Police Chief Mike Hill told the Commonwealth Journal that his department had a recruit in the police academy that was doing a history project, and asked Hill questions about when Burnside's Police Department was established and other details. This led Hill to do his own research to find those answers, and in the process, learned about the four men who will be honored Saturday. When Burnside created its Memorial Garden in 2023, Hill decided that he'd like to utilize it to honor the four marshals he learned about who died as a result of their service to the city. In particular, that's because they're already permanently honored in the police academy at Eastern Kentucky University and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C., but hadn't yet been recognized in Burnside itself. A number of speakers participated in the event, including Hill and Burnside Mayor Robert Lawson, who read a proclamation declaring that week — May 11-17 — as National Police Week in the City of Burnside, and Saturday, May 17 as Police Day. He also recognized a moment of silence for those whose lives were lost as a result of Friday's tornado in the area. Speaking to those in attendance about the recognition of the four marshals, Lawson said, "I want to say thank you to the families. That is the ultimate sacrifice, is giving your life." Also speaking were retired police chief Eddie Glover, who talked about the kind of dangers law officers face every day, noting that almost 100 officers per year are lost to violence, and that doesn't include those who take their own lives due to the stresses of the job; former mayor Jim Brooks, who spoke abut the stories he heard from his family over the years about one of those marshals, John Coomer; Brandon Becker, city councilor and chair of the Burnside Historical Society, who talked about how safe he feels in a community like Burnside and how its the police that provide that safety; and tourism commissioner Jerrica Flynn, who spoke about the role law officers play assisting her in her job. "There's a type of authenticity that you can't market, that I can't create on a campaign," she said. "... (T)hese fallen officers ... are a prime example of what you can do for your community when you are so ingrained in what you do and what you love. It's almost magical to see that type of love for others and their place of being. So for me as a tourism director, these guys make my job easy. ... That authenticity of true love for their community and that warm hospitality, it's just so easy to convey to other people and have them come back and visit again and again." JOHN COOMER On August 18, 1913, an alleged moonshiner shot and killed a Burnside Councilman, John Fitzgerald, and wounded the town marshal, John Coomer, in a pistol duel. The shooter had been to Somerset with a friend earlier that day and appeared to be drunk when he stepped off the train at Burnside. Marshal Coomer arrested Tarter and was about to take him to jail when the prisoner drew his pistol and shot Coomer in the neck, causing a severe flesh wound. He also shot a town councilman after running off toward the Burnside Ferry. On October 1, 1913, Marshal Coomer died as a result of the gunshot to his neck. However, his death certificate says his cause of death is "unknown." It was reported that Marshal Coomer made a deathbed request that the shooter, identified as a Josh Tarter, not be charged with his murder. Eventually, Tarter was apprehended and convicted of killing the councilman and sentenced to five years in prison; however, he was not charged with murdering Marshal Coomer due to the reported request the marshal made before he died. HIRAM GREGORY Burnside City Marshal Hiram Gregory was shot on April 23, 1926 while attempting to arrest a Burnside barber identified as Ed Gibson for public drunkenness. The August 23, 2002, edition of the Commonwealth Journal said that two shots entered Gregory's left arm, just below the arm pit and another in the left side below his heart. He was also shot in the forehead. Gregory died at a local hospital about six hours after he was shot. It was reported that Marshal Gregory told officers on his deathbed that Gibson was the one responsible for his wounds. He said that he received a complaint at around seven in the morning in front of the Burnside Post Office. He said he didn't see Gibson walk up near where he was standing until he was there shooting him. Marshal Gregory went on to tell officers that Gibson had threatened to kill him more than once. Gibson was arrested and charged with the Marshal's murder. During his trial Gibson denied shooting the marshal, but he was found guilty of murder by a Lincoln County jury and sentenced to life in prison. CHARLIE WRIGHT Marshal Charlie Wright was appointed to office after Hiram Gregory was shot and killed six months prior. According to historical records and news articles, on November 15, 1926, Marshal Charlie Wright was shot while attempting to arrest a bootlegger identified as Ike Guffey. At the time of the shooting, Marshal Wright was on patrol when he encountered Guffey, who was wanted for a previous offense. Wright attempted to arrest Guffey, but Guffey pulled out a gun and shot Wright in the chest. Wright was rushed to a hospital in Somerset, but he died from his injuries the following day. After the shooting, a manhunt was launched to capture Guffey, who was eventually arrested and charged with murder. During his trial, Guffey claimed that he had acted in self-defense because Wright had been abusive and had tried to shoot him first. However, this claim was disputed by eyewitnesses, and Guffey was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. GEORGE PRENTICE SOUTHWOOD Marshal Southwood was shot and killed in the line of duty shortly before noon on September 30, 1948, by a man in a black pickup truck at the construction site of the new U.S. 27 bridge which was being built at the time. The man had been arrested previously by Southwood for public intoxication and there was no doubt a history between the men. A work stoppage was occurring at the site due to a pay dispute. There were reports of gambling at the site and Prentice was called in to investigate those reports. The killer was a local constable who was drunk at the time and onsite as well. Southwood engaged in a verbal altercation with the constable after observing alcohol in his vehicle. He ordered the constable who was the driver and his passenger out of the vehicle. The passenger was the driver's son-in-law. The son-in-law was a worker at the site. The passenger followed orders but the driver did not. During the altercation that followed, Southwood was shot twice with a .38 caliber pistol, once in the head and once in the heart, by the intoxicated man. Construction workers rushed to the scene to try to aid Southwood. The shooter fled south on U.S. 27, and after an exhaustive search across three counties that lasted 19 hours, an arrest was made. A long and large trial would follow, and the shooter would receive a life sentence. Years later, however, against the family's wishes, he would be released while ill. The stories of the four men were read by Hill at the ceremony, and all current and former officers of the law or their family representatives present were given tokens of appreciation. In addition, a member of the family of each fallen marshal was presented with an American flag hand-folded there on site by Burnside police officers. Following the ceremony, the family members spoke to the Commonwealth Journal about the opportunity afforded to them for remembrance and recognition on Saturday. Gregory accepts flag Lewis Gregory, great-grandson of late Burnside Town Marshal Hiram Gregory, accepts an American flag as a gift at Saturday's Memorial Ceremony in Burnside's Cole Park. Lewis Gregory, from Greenwood, Indiana, great-grandson of Hiram Gregory, said, "It was really a remarkable honor. ... It is very intensely meaningful for me that all of these good people came together to honor him. I never met him, I wish I had. ... The sacrifice that people in law enforcement (were) giving back then, and even now, is astounding. I served as a judge for 28 years, (and) other legal positions through the years, and I have a lot of respect for police officers." "It was a proud moment, for my whole family really," said Joe Canada of Cincinnati, great-great-grandson of Coomer. "(They shared) a lot of history I didn't know about." Eddie Wright, great-grandson of Charlie Wright, said, "I'm glad that his service is recognized. It was a long time ago; he died before he knew any of his grandkids. I think the first one was born in 1928. He served in the Spanish-American War; my great-grandmother was the last ... beneficiary of the war benefits from that. She was the last Spanish-American War widow, so to speak. It's good to see that they still recognize him after all this time. It happened almost 100 years ago. It's just a legacy." "This means the world to me and my family, honoring our ancestor and honoring the thee other gentlemen (to serve as town marshal)," said Cincinnati's Wade Southwood, great-great-grandson of Prentice Southwood. "It means the world that they're being remembered and memorialized, and also just a general celebration (of) law enforcement ... and what they do for their communities and for this nation." Southwood police car Wade Southwood brought the car that his great-great-grandfather, former Burnside Town Marshal Prentice Southwood, was driving the day he was killed in 1948. Wade Southwood also spoke briefly during the event to the crowd, and brought with him a unique vehicle — Marshal Southwood's own police car, the car he was driving the day he was shot. The car has gone down through several families and is now in Wade Southwood's possession, said Hill. The chief was appreciative that the long-planned event was able to go forward, even considering the difficulties caused by Friday's tornado in southern Pulaski County. "There (are) a lot of people who gave up their time to come here (and) travel," said Hill. "... I think it was awesome that we got to hold this event due to all the extra circumstances going on, that people still would come and share this experience with us."
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘DMK 2.0 is loading...': TN CM makes election pitch
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Tuesday said that the DMK would retain power in the 2026 assembly elections and spoke about his government's achievements 'despite obstructions' from the 'union government, the governor, and a financial crunch.' 'Version 2.0 is loading in 2026,'Stalin said in the Tamil Nadu assembly, referring to the assembly elections due that year. He also listed achievements of his government in past four years, including no drop outs in the middle schools, a growth rate of 9.69% in 2024-25. 'So far what has been witnessed is Dravidian model government part 1. Version 2.0 loading in 2026. We will create more records after that,' he said adding that it would be the seventh time the DMK is forming the government. 'We have been able to achieve this despite obstructions like a man who is facing a snake on top, foxes below and a moat if he jumped and a wall if he ran, by overcoming the union government on one side, governor on the other side and financial crunch on another side,' he said. 'Electronic goods exports accounted for $14.65 million and this was nearly 41.23% share in the country. Last year, the state mopped up ₹5.80 lakh crore through commercial tax,' he further said. 'This is no mean feat. A hard-earned achievement that Tamil Nadu has never seen before... All these achievements were accomplished in a situation surrounded by snakes above, foxes below, a moat if jumped, and a solid wall (obstructing the escape route),' the CM said. Despite all the hurdles posed his government overcame the obstacles to set a record, he said and added that the credit also went to his Cabinet, officers, and staff, who coordinated with him. While making announcements regarding the home department, Stalin announced that September 6 would be celebrated as the 'Police Day'. 'If criminal activities occur here, immediate action is taken and the accused are arrested. We are even ready to rectify our mistakes if there are any. I am replying to those who say law and order is not good with malicious intentions for political gains, this is not Manipur, this is not Kashmir. Here, there are no deaths like the UP Kumbh Mela. This is Tamil Nadu, don't forget that,' he said. In response, AIADMK general secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) said that his party led NDA coalition will form the government in 2026. 'Only DMK's failure 2.0 will load in 2026,' EPS said. Stalin also announced in the assembly that the word 'colony' will be removed from government records and official usage. Colony in local parlance in the hinterlands refers to the residential areas of Dalits. The chief minister said that since the word has become symbolic to caste-based oppression and untouchability, it will be removed from government offices. With PTI inputs
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Dalit settlements no longer colonies: Stalin
Chennai: Chief minister M K Stalin on Tuesday announced that the word 'colony' will be removed from all govt records and public usage. He described it as a symbol of discrimination against the indigenous people of the land and a term now associated with untouchability. Colonies refer to segregated residential areas in villages inhabited by dalits. The announcement came during Stalin's speech during the debate on demand for grants for the home department in the assembly. He said the govt decided to act because the word was now being used in a derogatory sense. Stalin further stated that Sept 6 will be observed as 'Police Day' in Tamil Nadu. Responding to opposition criticism of the law-and-order situation in the state, Stalin issued a sharp rebuttal. "This is not Manipur, this is not Kashmir. There are no deaths like the UP Kumbh Mela. This is Tamil Nadu. Don't forget that," he said. Stalin said Tamil Nadu's overall growth was rooted in its peaceful atmosphere, crediting the police force for maintaining law and order. He said while ministers and officials contribute to progress, the state's development is built on the foundation of peace. "A peaceful state supports industrial growth, education, empowerment of women and youth, sports, and increased production," Stalin said, commending the police for helping the state avoid major riots, violence, and unrest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo He urged the police force not only to reduce crime but also to work towards preventing it. "Preventing crime is not the responsibility of the police alone. It requires the cooperation of the public," he said. Calling on citizens to respect the law and practise self-discipline, Stalin said the public must avoid negligence and take active steps to prevent crime. He reminded police officers to treat people with respect and avoid letting personal biases affect their conduct. "Police and public must function as partners to maintain peace," he said. Stalin went on to list several achievements of his govt, including the elimination of dropouts in middle schools and a 9.69% growth rate projected for 2024–25. Comparing govt's challenges to a person trapped from all sides, the chief minister said, "Like a man with a snake above, foxes below, a moat if he jumps, and a wall if he runs, the state govt has achieved progress by overcoming Union govt on one side, governor on another and financial crunch on another side. "This is not the achievement of one person named Stalin. This is the result of the efforts of my cabinet and officials," he said. "This is not a party's govt. It is a govt based on a philosophy." He ended his speech by saying, "Whatever achievement was witnessed so far is only Part-I of the Dravidian model govt. Version 2.0 is loading for 2026. We will create more records then," he said.
