Marine officers presented with 'Heroic Volunteer Award'
Three Marine North Division officers, Sergeant (SGT) Tsang Suet-fung, Police Constable (PC) Ng Chi-keung and PC Lam Hoi-pan, were presented with the "Heroic Volunteer Award" of the Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS) at AVS' International Volunteer Day Recognition Ceremony held in a Tsim Sha Tsui hotel on November 7. The Award is offered to those who risk their lives to save others not in the line of duty.
On May 15 this year, the three Marine North Division officers were off duty when they helped out as volunteers in sailing training organised by Marine Outer Waters District (MOWDIST) for "Operation Breakthrough" members. While the training was underway, the weather suddenly turned for the worse, capsizing several sailing boats and throwing four teenagers into the rough sea. The three officers immediately went to the drowning teenagers' aid and pulled them to safety, displaying great courage and fortitude.
Force members have actively participated in volunteer services over the past years. Currently there are 43 volunteer teams under the Hong Kong Police Volunteer Service Corps (HKPVSC) with about 2 000 registered police volunteers. The MOWDIST Volunteer Team led by SGT Tsang, comprising 150 members, including PC Ng and PC Lam, is affiliated to the HKPVSC. The team regularly provides sailing and dragon boat racing training to "Operation Breakthrough" members. In addition, it also organises home visits to, and outdoor recreational activities for, the elderly in conjunction with the YWCA, water activities for the disabled, and different social caring services.
At the same ceremony, two citizens nominated by Kwun Tong District received the "Heroic Volunteer Award" for saving a man who had jumped into the sea to commit suicide, and the Police Harmonica Club was presented with the Silver Award of "The Highest Participation Rate Award".
The
Force
award
winners
with Assistant Commissioner (Personnel) Chau
Kwok-leung and other guests