There are many “families of police” in the Force. Generation after generation, members of these families inherit and pass on the spirit of serving the public. 32-year-old Rex, Sergeant of Drill and Musketry Unit of Basic Competencies Training Division of the Hong Kong Police College (HKPC), is one of them. Members of his family have been in the Force for three generations. His grandfather and male siblings of his were detectives; his father and mother were sergeants; Rex and his elder brothers have also joined the Force successively.

Rex’s mother, Connie, became a police constable in 1974 and was promoted to sergeant in 1978. She was subsequently posted at the Welfare Services Group (WSG) in 1981 and stayed there until her retirement in 2011. During her years at the WSG, she helped countless colleagues injured on duty or suffering from grave maladies. She has been awarded medals and certificates for several times by both the Force and the Government, and was interviewed by a television programme. Rex recalled, “Both my parents, who worked at the WSG, had to follow up on many welfare matters. They arrived home very late at night and had very little time to stay with us.”

His mother’s helpful spirit inspired Rex’s commitment to serving the community. He joined the Force at the age of 18 after taking the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, and was posted at the Hong Kong Island Region. As both Rex and Connie were busy with their respective duties, they had little time to see each other at home. The chance for them to meet at work once in a while was even bigger. “At one time, when I was on duty, colleagues from the WSG brought us supplies and meal boxes. I met Mom unexpectedly. She especially got me a little more of the dishes. It was really a very sweet moment indeed.”

Rex was promoted to sergeant in 2017. He was transferred to HKPC in December 2019 and became responsible for teaching foot drill. “When initially applying for transfer to HKPC, I mainly hoped to work with the deputy head teacher during my trainee year at the College and to inherit his philosophy of teaching. I was fortunate enough to be selected subsequently, together with him, into the Flag Party, shouldering an important mission.”

Rex has served as flag-raiser in several large-scale celebrations, including National Day and anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This year, he will also be responsible for the flag-raising ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. He feels greatly honoured to perform this special task on behalf of the Force. His family members are proud of him, too.

The Force will fully switch to Chinese-style foot drill from July 1 onward. Rex has received foot drill training provided by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. In addition to teaching Chinese-style foot drill to the trainees at HKPC, he gives relevant lectures and training to colleagues in various frontline units. Rex points out that Chinese-style foot drill emphasises the standing posture. The movements must be precise, and self-confidence must be expressed. “The Chinese-style foot drill and flag-raising can realise fully our love for our country. Hence, we must keep practising with reverence, and always remind ourselves during the foot drill that we represent not only the Force but also the HKSAR and our country.”