SGT Ling wards off woes of life
While performing duties as a traffic Police Constable in the summer of 2009, Sergeant (SGT) Ling Siu-ngai was knocked down by a goods vehicle and subsequently had his right leg amputated and underwent a long physical therapy. Such major blow would depress many persons, but SGT Ling is a man of true grit. He faced up to his ordeal bravely, remained optimistic for his future and returned to work in May this year. His perseverance and positive outlook for life have earned him a Rotary International Award.
Cherishing life
Though no longer able to work on the frontline, SGT Ling is serving the community in another capacity - Duty Officer in the Report Room of Traffic Kowloon East. "My job now is mainly answering phone calls from the public and helping the people making reports to police," he said.
SGT Ling pointed out that some callers were family members of victims and very often they merely wanted to find someone to talk to. Recalling that his wife received phone calls from many colleagues after his accident, SGT Ling listened to the callers with empathy and tried his best to answer their enquiries.
SGT Ling said once he was confronted with such questions: "Why the cops are not doing their job" and "Why accident has happened". What he did was keeping his composure, listening and talking, eventually putting the caller's mind at ease. "Now, I'm a more patient person and I've brushed up my communication skills," he quipped.
SGT Ling does not find the phone calls irritating. On the contrary, they have spurred him to reflect on life and made him more proactive. "Rather than feeling dejected, why not enjoy every moment of your life?"
Thankful to Force and wife
There were reasons why SGT Ling managed to remain optimistic after his accident. "Without my wife's support and help, I don't think I can remain optimistic and get through my ordeal."
He pointed out that he was emotionally unstable and found his injuries very painful during the initial stage of his hospitalisation. Fortunately, his wife remained by the bedside every day. She also got household chores done and took good care of their son, leaving him nothing to worry about.
SGT Ling is equally thankful to his superior and colleagues for their support and understanding. "My superior came to see me very often and asked what I wanted. My colleagues also volunteered to help me. During the three years from the day of my accident to the day I returned to work, the Force gave me tremendous support. The Force is a big family where everyone supports each other," he said.
Working out physically
After his accident, SGT Ling put up with pain rather than remained wheelchair-bound.
"I'm an active person and I like the feeling of walking." And he knew that once he was confined to the wheelchair, his muscle would shrink and he would not be able to even stand up.
SGT Ling is no longer able to run around on the football pitch as he did in the past. But he has not given up working out his physique and has found a suitable sport - archery.
In archery, SGT Ling insisted standing up rather than sitting in his wheelchair, and this tenacity was contagious to his son. He has bought his son a play set of archery, hoping one day they both can practise together.
Rotary
International Award a great honour
Speaking of his Rotary International Award, SGT Ling said: "It's a great honour for me. It's also a recognition for police officers." He hopes the award would underscore the officers' professionalism. "Though their job is comparatively more hazardous, police officers are devoted to their duties. If they cause some inconvenience to the public while discharging their duties, I hope the public would be more understanding to them," he noted.
SGT Ling also called on his colleagues to remain passionate for life and perceive things from a positive angle in face of setback or frustration. Giving an example, he said he discovered during a trip to Singapore that his disability brought some convenience to his family when he was given priority for taking taxis and did not have to join a long queue while visiting a theme park. "I'm not useless nor a burden. If you feel frustrated, the people around you would be more sorry for you."
Though having lost a leg, SGT Ling has not only got up on his remaining leg, but also taken a major step forward on the road of his life.
SGT
Ling with his Rotary International Award