Mr Wong and Mr Lee were new to each other when they were dispatched to patrol the busy commercial centre in Central on the morning of April 15. Hours later, Mr Lee spotted a man acting suspiciously on Queen's Road Central and stopped him for an identity card check. He tried to run away but, thanks to their quick action, the man was subsequently subdued and two homemade pistols were found in his possession.

Attached to the Waterfront Division Patrol Sub-Unit Team 2, the pair was delighted to have arrested the suspect.

"I am so happy," said Mr Lee. "The consequences could be serious if there was a real robbery. I am proud of the arrest."

Mr Wong said: "I've never thought of facing such a big challenge on my first day of duty. I was so happy for having assisted my colleague to apprehend the suspect. It is an invaluable experience as I can learn many things from it.

"After passing out from the PTS, I learn how to act according to circumstances. But I still have many things to learn."

Both Mr Lee and Mr Wong said that what they learned from the PTS helped them overpower the suspect and prevent him from launching an attack.

Mr Wong said: "The weapons training class at PTS helped me a lot. The training facilities in the new Tactical Training Complex, which modelled on real-life scenarios, also helped me utilise the skills in a practical situation."

Mr Wong, now 23, joined the Force soon after graduating with an associate degree in estate surveying. "I wanted to become a cop long ago. When I grew up, I found that Police work is both meaningful and challenging. I could help the public by resolving disputes and derive satisfaction from doing so. So I joined the Force," he said.

To maintain fitness at all times, both Mr Lee and Mr Wong are sports enthusiasts. Mr Wong usually spends his leisure time running, playing ball games and going to fitness centres while Mr Lee forms a habit of playing golf and swimming.

Mr Lee, 31, said his policing work in the past three years had left him many pleasant memories. "When I worked in the Aberdeen Division, I answered an emergency call to help a woman who just delivered her baby at home. I was so happy for the chance to help her. I comforted her and tried every means to transfer her to hospital."

Mr Wong Ka-man said his family threw their weight behind him after this recent case. He said: "I have explained to my family that it is somehow inevitable to face danger at work. But I have reached a consensus with them: give them a call after work if I encounter a similar case in the future."

Central District Commander Mr Lee Wai-lam and a posse of commended officers including Mr Lee and Mr Wong

On the beat: PCs Mr Lee Man-lung and Mr Wong Ka-man