Off Beat

First Lady of the Force Retires

WHEN Regional Commander New Territories North, Felicia Wong Leung Kam-shan, retired last week (Friday, 14 August 1998), she did so in the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police the most senior woman officer in the history of the Hong Kong Police.
Just one distinction in an exceptionally full and accomplished 35-year career of distinguished service and Force firsts which include being the first local Woman Senior Superintendent and Woman Chief Superintendent and the first woman in the Force to attain the commands of Deputy District Commander, District Commander, and Deputy Regional Commander.
Then, when her outstanding abilities as a commanding officer in an operational capacity in a variety of posts earned her promotion to Assistant Commissioner of Police in January 1995, Madame Wong was appointed Regional Commander, New Territories North a unique achievement which again made Force history as no woman officer has ever attained such a senior command appointment.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Felicia Wong Leung Kam-shan, BBS - the most senior woman officer in the history of the Hong Kong Police

Along the way she has been awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1986, the Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 1996 and the Bronze Bauhinia Star for Dedicated and Meritorious Service in 1998 another Force first. She also received the Colonial Police Long Service Medal in 1981 and the First and Second Clasps to that Medal in 1988 and 1993.
In 1968, as a young Woman Inspector, she received a Commissioner's Commendation for devotion to duty, exemplary conduct and leadership of a very high order displayed under extreme provocation during the demonstrations outside Government House in May 1967 - at the height of civil unrest and rioting in Hong Kong.
Having served everywhere but Special Branch and Marine, both in Uniform Branch and in Crime formations at all three levels of District, Regional and Force commands, she's also earned her fair share of nicknames: "Little Chilli", "Dragon Lady", and "Mama".
"At least those are the nicknames I'm aware of," laughs Madame Wong sitting behind her desk at Regional Headquarters New Territories North. It's her last week before retirement and all the walls have been stripped bare of Force mementoes, souvenirs and photos accumulated over a lifetime of service.
Although she's looking forward to retirement and plans to spend more time with her three children, as well as relaxing, reading, gardening, taking up Chinese calligraphy and travelling with her husband Ben (who retired from the Force in 1994 as a Superintendent), it's hard not to feel the void that her departure will leave and that it marks the end of an era for the Force - an era of which Mrs Wong was an intrinsic part and in many ways helped to shape, especially in regard to the development of women police in the Force.
( continued in Photo Feature )

STOP PRESS
CHINA FLOOD DISASTER

Over 240 million people affected by the flood
Over 4,000 people dead
Over 17 million homes damaged
FORCE HOLDS COLLECTION! HKPF China Flood Disaster Relief Fund
Hang Seng Bank A/C No. 256-128778-001 (see PEN Message for details)

Secretary for Security thanks police

Safe and secure. CP and former Secretary for Security in conversation with prominent Fight Crime Committee member Robert Kotewell The following letter was written to Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui Ki-on from departing HKSAR Secretary for Security Peter Lai . . .
"DEAR EDDIE, I write to thank you, and all colleagues in the Police Force for the support, advice and encouragement you have given me during the last three-and-a-half years of my tenure as Secretary for Security.

Those years have been a challenging and anxious time, spanning the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The Police Force played a key role in maintaining stability throughout the period, and achieved great success in combating crime, in maintaining public order and in handling the many major events of unprecedented scale, such as the handover ceremonies. The community owes a debt of gratitude to all members of the Police Force.
Over the years I have come to admire greatly the professionalism dedication and resilience of the Police Force under your expert leadership. I have every confidence that the Force will grow from strength to strength and that the high respect of the community for the Force will continue to be well placed.
On a more personal note, I have much enjoyed working closely with you, and other colleagues in the senior echelons of the Force. I am indebted not only to your support, but also your friendship.
It is not easy to say farewell to 25 years of public service, and particularly to all the friends I have made over those years. But the duty to family calls.
And so, farewell, I hope we will still be able to keep in touch, even though I will be leaving for Australia some time in October.
Alice joins me in wishing you and Selina, and all your family every success in your future endeavours."

STOP PRESS CHINA FLOOD DISASTER
Over 240 million people affected by the flood Over 4,000 people dead Over 17 million homes damaged FORCE HOLDS COLLECTION! HKPF China Flood Disaster Relief Fund Hang Seng Bank A/C No. 256-128778-001 (see PEN Message for details)