For a force whose very daily duty is to save lives, it seems that they were not able to save one of their very own people — a young Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) sadly took his own life recently, unable to withstand the stresses originating at home as well as his workplace at Alexandra Fire Station.
19-year-old Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) NSF Shek Salmin is believed to have committed suicide around 1.30am yesterday, but the signs of his depression were clearly written on the walls of his Facebook page, as well as his final message to his bro, Sanjee.
According to Redwire Times, Shek has been in and out of detention barracks as penalty for repeatedly reporting late for duty — which he claims to be due to tending family issues at home. His friend has also planted the blame of the tragedy squarely on their officer — a Staff Sergeant Tan Teck Beng from 1st SCDF Division HQ — who was said to be a uncompromising authority. SSG Tan had charged Shek before, sending him off to serve a few days in detention barracks, refusing to listen the young man as he tried to explain his difficult situation.
Shek was about to get charged once again yesterday morning due to another case of tardiness, but unfortunately, he was pushed to his limits with his problems at home and National Service. He took his own life, but not before leaving a final message for his friends on Facebook.
SCDF confirmed the death of Private Shek Salmin, extending their condolences to his family, and offered their assistance to them as well. As for the accountability part for the young man's death... well you just have to read it for yourself.
Truly, a tragedy that could have been prevented. Hopefully, Shek found the peace he has sought after for so long.
Photos: Milan Shek Facebook page; Redwire Times; SCDF Facebook page
For a force whose very daily duty is to save lives, it seems that they were not able to save one of their very own people — a young Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) sadly took his own life recently, unable to withstand the stresses originating at home as well as his workplace at Alexandra Fire Station.
19-year-old Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) NSF Shek Salmin is believed to have committed suicide around 1.30am yesterday, but the signs of his depression were clearly written on the walls of his Facebook page, as well as his final message to his bro, Sanjee.
According to Redwire Times, Shek has been in and out of detention barracks as penalty for repeatedly reporting late for duty — which he claims to be due to tending family issues at home. His friend has also planted the blame of the tragedy squarely on their officer — a Staff Sergeant Tan Teck Beng from 1st SCDF Division HQ — who was said to be a uncompromising authority. SSG Tan had charged Shek before, sending him off to serve a few days in detention barracks, refusing to listen the young man as he tried to explain his difficult situation.
Shek was about to get charged once again yesterday morning due to another case of tardiness, but unfortunately, he was pushed to his limits with his problems at home and National Service. He took his own life, but not before leaving a final message for his friends on Facebook.
SCDF confirmed the death of Private Shek Salmin, extending their condolences to his family, and offered their assistance to them as well. As for the accountability part for the young man's death... well you just have to read it for yourself.
Truly, a tragedy that could have been prevented. Hopefully, Shek found the peace he has sought after for so long.
Photos: Milan Shek Facebook page; Redwire Times; SCDF Facebook page