Values of Caring and Integrity

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In the following article, Data Processor Tsang Chi-shu from Traffic Branch Headquarters recounted how her supervisor and colleagues showed a lot of care and concern about her, whilst she was fighting against brain cancer. Unfortunately she passed away on May 30 before OffBeat went to press.

Many Force members, in particular her colleagues, are grieved by this tragedy, and are very impressed by her brave fight against, and positive attitude towards, her illness. Chief Superintendent (Traffic) Blake Hancock has described Ms Tsang as a "wonderful, brave and positive individual, who faced her ultimate challenge very openly and honestly".

Compassion in this world

Owing to these purple pills, my memory is becoming confused. The doctor said I have to take the pills regularly every day for the rest of my life to control the tumour in my brain. It is a malignant tumour, having reached stage II when it was found. Being too close to my cranial nerves, it cannot be removed by operation. Only electrotherapy and medicines were applied, but the side effect of the medicines is failing memory.

I will never forget my colleagues and supervisor: their meticulous care and concern about me have given me the will to fight my sickness.

I was transferred to the Force in late 1998 and worked as a Data Processor in the Police Headquarters in Wan Chai. Given my introverted character and the age gap, my relationship with my colleagues was nothing more than ordinary. I seldom joined their activities after work. In facing my supervisor, I was even scared. I always thought I was only a junior clerk, and my supervisor was well above me, especially in the Force where rank consciousness dominated. However, this impression changed completely after I got cancer.

On January 4, 2005 - more than one year before my retirement, I suddenly collapsed in the office. I was immediately taken to hospital, but the doctor could not find out the cause. Five months later when I was on my way to work, I felt dizzy again and fell in the street. I went to Kwong Wah Hospital to have my brain checked. The doctor confirmed that I had a malignant tumour, and said that it would be highly risky if I underwent an operation to remove the tumour: I would be either hemiplegic or dumb afterwards. Therefore, I opted for electrotherapy and medicines.

Initially I could not accept my sickness, but eventually I realised it is fate. When I was in hospital, my colleagues came to visit me one after another. Irrespective of our friendship, all of them gave me blessings and care. The visit by my supervisor, Kevin, was most touching. I never expected he would come to see me. He even came back to see me on more than one occasion. In the office, we only had official contact, and there was always a gap between us because he was my supervisor. I did not expect he was such a nice and approachable person. He even did some trivial things personally, such as bringing me the sick leave application forms. All out of a sudden, I felt greatly encouraged. I was very thankful deep in my heart.

After being discharged from Kwong Wah Hospital, I returned to work and received electrotherapy at the same time. To save me from being overworked, Kevin specially placed a comfort chair in the common room for me to take a rest. He also assigned me lighter work. Other colleagues showed their understanding and support. They were all so nice to me that I felt a bit embarrassed.

A few months later, the doctor found that the cancer cells had spread to my lung. In mid-December, I underwent an operation to cut off my left lung in Kowloon Hospital. The operation was quite successful. I was discharged after a week and returned home for recuperation. I did not give up because I knew my family, my supervisor, colleagues and brothers and sisters of the church have been supporting me.

During my long battle against cancer, I received electrotherapy for dozens of times, in addition to the operation. As a result, my condition was weak and unstable. I returned to work as far as possible when I felt better, and took leave when my condition worsened. During this period, Kevin often came to see me. He was not only my supervisor, but also a friend of mine. One day, he told me a Chief Superintendent would come to see me. I was really overwhelmed by this unexpected news instantly! A CSP! Was it true?

Finally, this senior officer, Mr Lee, and Kevin did come to see me. We chatted for more than an hour. As a senior police officer, he did not put on air and played with my dog.

He visited me three times altogether, bringing me a bunch of flowers in the first visit, a big basket of fruit in the second and a teddy bear in Police Pipe Band uniform in the last visit. The presents were not expensive, but the care behind them could not be measured by their cost.

Regarding this senior officer, I was deeply impressed on another occasion. I remembered I still went to work a few days before I underwent an operation to remove my left lung in mid-December last year. Frankly, I was a bit worried at the time. Who knew what would happen after the operation? Therefore, I would like to say thanks to him while I could still get about. He was busy with the security work of HKMC at the time, but he still spared some time to chat with and encourage me. To my surprise, on one occasion he waited for me downstairs in the Arsenal House after work, encouraged again and then watched me go. I was so touched and almost burst into tears.

I am only an insignificant clerk in the Force, but the senior management did not ignore my existence. They gave the most precious care and concern that I needed. I will always keep this in my mind.

The support given by the Force came not only from my colleagues and supervisor, but also Mr Poon and Sergeant Connie of the Welfare Office. They also offered valuable advice on matters about my welfare and recuperation, and gave me encouragement and support. They warmed my heart while I was in my sickbed.

I started my pre-retirement leave on April 18, this year. I am now recuperating at home. It has been almost one and a half year since I fell sick. I have experienced ups and downs emotionally and changes in my physical condition, but I have never given up because I have my colleagues, supervisor and family to accompany me on my way. Though the way is rugged, I know I will get it through eventually. To repay their kindness, I will try my best to recover from sickness and then extend my thankfulness to them one after another. Having worked in different Government departments, I can say that the days in the Force are the happiest and most unforgettable times in my life.

To raise officers' awareness of the values of caring and integrity, and to encourage them to practise these values, Service Quality Wing specially publishes in OffBeat a series of real stories based on the different cases provided by our colleagues. In reading the stories, officers can feel the warmth and strength brought about by caring of others, and understand the importance of mutual help and love. It also serves the purpose of recognising Force members' integrity and professionalism, and encouraging them to continue practising Force values to enhance service quality.