Certis Officer Dies at NDP Rehearsal: Padang Collapse

National Day Parade, Certis, auxiliary police, Padang, death, rehearsal”>

SINGAPORE, June 21, 2025

Tragedy at the Padang
Officer collapses during rehearsal for Singapore’s 60th birthday festivity.

A 47-year-old auxiliary police officer died after collapsing during a National Day Parade rehearsal.

• the officer collapsed at 11.23am during a rehearsal at the Padang.
• He was part of the OneChangi contingent.
• Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital.

In Singapore, what happened to the auxiliary police officer? A 47-year-old Certis auxiliary police officer tragically died after collapsing during a National Day Parade rehearsal at the Padang on Saturday at 11.23am.

The officer was a member of the OneChangi contingent, participating in the parade and Ceremony segment. The Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) released a joint statement regarding the incident.

Pro Tip: The Padang, a historic open field in Singapore, has been the customary venue for National Day Parades. Its central location and historical significance make it a fitting place for such events.

Immediate Response

according to MINDEF and CAG, the officer collapsed at 11.23am “at the end of a component rehearsal.”

“He was immediately evacuated to the on-site medical post and arrived at 11.26am, where he was attended by the duty medical officer. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered immediately,” they stated.

Despite these efforts, the officer remained unresponsive.

transfer to Hospital

At 11.42am, the man was transferred to a standby Singapore Armed Forces ambulance. “Resuscitation efforts continued en route to hospital,” according to MINDEF and CAG.

He arrived at Singapore General Hospital at 11.57am. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 12.19pm.

Did you know? Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is the oldest and largest hospital in Singapore. It has a long history of providing medical care and is a major referral center for complex cases.

Certis’s Response

Certis confirmed that the man was one of their employees. Sources indicate he worked at Changi Airport.

Certis spokesperson Robin Goh stated, “We are currently working closely with MINDEF and Changi Airport Group to further provide the officer’s family with the necessary support and assistance.”

Goh added,”Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the officer’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

OneChangi Contingent

The OneChangi contingent comprises nine companies, including Certis and CAG. It is among the 18 civilian contingents slated to participate in the NDP.

The National Day Parade, marking Singapore’s 60th birthday, is scheduled for Aug 9.

Condolences

MINDEF and CAG have expressed their condolences and are providing support to the family. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family,” they stated.

The Role of Auxiliary Police in Singapore

The tragic incident during the National Day Parade highlights the critical role of auxiliary police officers in Singapore. These officers provide essential security and support for a wide range of events and locations. This section will delve deeper into their functions and meaning within the city-state’s security framework.

Scope of Responsibilities

Auxiliary police officers, unlike their regular counterparts in the Singapore Police Force (SPF), are employed by private security companies. Their duties are broad and contribute to maintaining safety across several sectors.

• Security at Key infrastructure: They often guard critical infrastructure, including airports (like Changi Airport, where the deceased officer worked), MRT stations, and government buildings.
• Event Security: Auxiliary police heavily support major public events such as the National Day Parade, ensuring crowd control and safety.
• Commercial security: They are deployed in commercial settings like shopping malls, banks, and other businesses, providing security patrols and responding to incidents.
• Specialized Roles: Some officers may be trained for specialized roles, such as guarding cash-in-transit and specialized law enforcement tasks.

What are the main responsibilities of auxiliary police officers? Auxillary police officers are responsible for security in critical infrastructure, commercial settings, and major public events, playing a key role in maintaining public safety.

The specific tasks and responsibilities can vary depending on their deployment. However, the common thread is their contribution to public safety and security, acting as a visible deterrent and first line of defense.

Training and Authority

Auxiliary