PC Wai thanked by nun he saved

POLICE officers of Mong Kok District were presented with pennants of appreciation by representatives of the Mong Kok Kai Fong Association for their efforts in evacuating residents from a burning building. On the morning of 17 April, Mong Kok Task Force member Police Constable Wai Ka-keung and several colleagues were on patrol when they received a beat radio call about a fire on the seventh floor of a residential building on Chung Wui Street, Tai Kok Tsui. They immediately rushed to the building and after activating its fire alarm system and stopping the operation of lifts, they began a floor by floor evacuation of the residents.

On his way up, PC Wai came across a 75-year-old nun in the corridor of the 8th floor. She was immobilised by shock - and a wall of black smoke billowing up the stairwell that blocked her escape.

Without hesitation, Police Constable Wai put the old woman on his back and carried her down eight flights to safety.

Along with PC Wai Ka-keung, the Mong Kok Kai Fong Association presented pennants to: DC MKDIST CSP Stuart Wringe, DDC MKDIST SSP Denis Cunningham, ADC OPS MKDIST SP Chan Lik-kin, and OC TF MKDIST SIP Siu Chak-yee.

The thief was finally apprehended by police after staff at Salesian Retreat House reported a suspicious-looking man loitering around their premises - which had been broken into once before.

The arrested suspect was in possession of over 40 door keys to different bungalows.

When police searched his home they found 132 items of stolen property which included cases of soft drinks, victim's personal effects and computers and printers worth $56,000 taken from the Alliance Bible Seminary.

Following the police investigation, the man was prosecuted on multiple counts of burglary. And Cheung Chau has had much fewer burglaries since.

DIGNITARIES - including Chinese President Jiang Zemin and HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa - have praised the security arrangements for the handover ceremony provided by the Hong Kong Police Force. So said Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui Ki-on during a cocktail reception at the Police Sports and Recreation Club on 4 July in which the CP thanked all members of the Force for their devotion to duties during the historic event that marked the beginning of a new era for Hong Kong.

"With the handover period over, the Force has accomplished the toughest mission in its history. I think all of you can feel enormously relieved now," Mr Hui told a large cross-section of police officers who came to relax - finally - and to celebrate a job well done.

"Your professionalism, team work and morale in the execution of your duties during the Handover period clearly demonstrated the finest tradition of the Hong Kong Police Force.

"I am aware that dignitaries and organisations that had participated in various activities - including Chinese President Jiang Zemin, HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and international political leaders - have highly praised the security arrangements," Mr Hui said.

"The success of the operations was due to meticulous preparation of the Planning and Implementation Team as well as the professionalism of all Police formations.

"These formations included the Police Tactical Unit, the VIP Protection Unit, Traffic, the Search Unit and the Marine Police - all involved in frontline operations. Of course, we cannot ignore units that provided support and logistics such as the Communications Branch, the Police Band, the Catering Unit, Regions, Districts and Divisions as well as the Auxiliary Police.

"I am proud of the enthusiasm you displayed (despite the long hours) and your outstanding performance. The Hong Kong Police Force will play a very important role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. I believe you all, like me, will face the challenge with utmost confidence."