Herstory is a series that highlights the Home Team’s outstanding female officers and their experiences.“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
This quote strongly reminded me of Sergeant (SGT) Fiona, an officer I had the pleasure of speaking to. A member of the elite Special Task Squadron (STS) of the
Police Coast Guard (PCG), her job includes intercepting high-speed threats and intruders that come into Singapore’s waters.
My first impression of SGT Fiona was that she looked intimidating, but after chatting with her, I realised that she was down to earth, with no airs about her at all. During her eight years with the Home Team, she has continued to push her limits, with bravery and determination.
SGT Fiona is one of the pioneering female officers in STS, an elite unit that patrols and protects Singapore’s territorial waters. PHOTO: Peggy Tan
SGT Fiona had an uncertain start to her professional journey. She revealed that when she told her family that she was joining the
Singapore Police Force (SPF), they were worried that it would be both demanding and dangerous.
Still, she persevered because she believed it was her calling to serve. “I really wanted to be part of the Home Team, and to be in a place where we can all come together to protect Singapore,” said SGT Fiona.
Maritime capabilities: Proud to be an STS officer. PHOTO: Peggy Tan
Having completed five years as a Ground Response Force officer, in 2015, SGT Fiona learnt that STS was accepting female officers. Wanting a change in her operational environment, she applied to the unit.
An avid sportswoman who loves running and dragon-boating, she was confident she could handle the rigorous physical requirements, which are the same for both male and female officers. “I went for the selection process not knowing what to expect,” she revealed.
Despite the challenges, SGT Fiona passed the selection and was immensely proud to become a member of the pioneering batch of female STS officers.
Trained to Conquer the Waves STS officers have to complete an intensive, six-month course that prepares them for the unpredictable and tough conditions of maritime policing. Watching SGT Fiona put on her uniform and tactical gear in a swift and professional manner, it was evident to me the countless hours of practice she’d put in.
“During our training, we had to carry loads in excess of our own body weight, including our bullet-proof vest and weapon,” she explained. “The training we undergo is very realistic and we have to get accustomed to this load.”
SGT Fiona's equipment was easily twice her body weight. I was dumbfounded, but she only laughed it off. She further explained that when her team had to board errant vessels, she often took the lead, which was why physical strength was crucial.
Trained and ready: SGT Fiona had to carry gear in excess of her own body weight during her STS training. PHOTO: Peggy Tan
During one night-time “methods of entry” training session, SGT Fiona and her partner were tasked to break down multiple doors. It was a warm night and after breaching the sixth door, SGT Fiona was hit by a wave of exhaustion. But her partner immediately spurred her on. “I just couldn’t just give up,” recalled SGT Fiona.
Determined, she completed the entire training session.
Now, SGT Fiona handles it all with the ease of a veteran. As a pioneering female STS officer, she’s committed to doing her best. “We work very closely as a team here,” she said. “It can be demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.”
HerstoryWant to learn more about the inspiring women officers in the Home Team? Check out:
-
Herstory: What It Means to Save a Life (SCDF)-
Herstory: Finding the Missing Piece of the Puzzle-
Herstory: Helping Inmates Navigate Through Difficult Challenges
