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 Traffic Wardens Chau Po-keung, Leung Tak-ming and Chau Kwok-cham | |
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Leung Tak-ming was praised for coming to the aid of a woman police constable who was being abused by a drunkard she was trying to question on Ferry Street in mid-August. While ticketing cars, Mr Leung came across the inebriated man who was hurling abusive language and spitting liquor at the WPC and immediately went over to assist her in arresting him. Chau Kwok-cham and Chau Po-keung were also performing their traffic duties in Mong Kok when, in another case, they came across a woman who was crying for help after being robbed by a man who then fled. Both traffic wardens gave chase and succeeded in apprehending the suspect. Officer in Charge of the District Traffic Team, Station Sergeant Lo Kin-chung, said that the brave acts of the three traffic wardens are highly commendable because they went out of their way to help those in need despite the fact that their jobs do not entail doing so. "In fact," said Mr Lo, "although they are under the control of the District Traffic Team, the training and duties of traffic wardens are mainly concerned with traffic regulations and enforcement. Unlike police, they do not carry any equipment that would protect them in the event of an attack." Indeed, their primary piece of protective equipment is usually their patience. "We constantly encounter problems such as being insulted by drivers who have violated traffic regulations," said Traffic Warden Leung. "So, we have to be patient and restrained to avoid unnecessary disputes." Agreed Chau Kwok-cham: "Verbal abuse is a frequent occurrence against traffic wardens, and in some cases we even are attacked. Because we wear uniforms and work in public, people seldom understand that our duties are strictly related to traffic violations. Often members of the public approach us and ask for directions or other assistance. If we can help, most of us do - unless it is a police matter in which case we radio police for assistance." Leung Tak-ming was commended by CIP OPS Mong Kok; while Chau Kwok-cham and Chau Po-keung were commended by their District Commander. | ||
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| A PRIVATE funeral and burial service with police honours was held on 3 September for 25-year-old Police Constable Lee Ngai-pan who took ill, collapsed and later died while participating in a 10-day Outward Bound personal development course which comprises leading training, team building, orienteering, rock climbing, canoeing, camping and physical endurance. | |
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An officer with considerable promise, PC Lee began the course on 14 August and was scheduled to finish on 23 August. The tragedy occurred on his seventh day of training while taking part in a hiking expedition. He was immediately airlifted by helicopter to Eastern Hospital where his condition worsened and, sadly, he died the next morning ¡Ð 21 August. The course PC Lee was attending is privately run and organised by the Hong Kong Outward Bound School. Each year the Hong Kong Police Force sponsors several officers from different formations to attend this course (which develops character, personality and leadership abilities) and participation is on a voluntary basis. Force enrolees are considered to be on duty during their attendance. |
 Force piper plays as PC Lee's HKP flag-draped coffin is borne from the funeral service to his burial site |
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Commissioner of Police Hui Ki-on and his staff are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of this fine officer, who joined the Force in 1992 and was attached to the Uniform Branch of Tuen Mun Division, and have extended their sympathies to PC Lee's wife and members of his family. The Commissioner has ensured that every possible assistance will be given to address the welfare needs of Mr Lee's family. | |
