Heroes commended for saving lives
A group of 12 frontline officers were recently commended for their bravery in risking their lives to save others in Hong Kong waters last year.
They were Police Constables Messrs Lai Chi-hung, Cheung Chi-fai, Chan Kwok-fai, Chiu Chi-fai, Lee Pak-ki, Tsui Ka-chai, Kwok Pui-sang, Ma Man-kwan, Li Yiu-fai, Yeung Kin-ip, Chan Lin-sang, and Ma Hon-choi. In all, they rescued three women and five men in eight incidents occurring in Western, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom and Castle Peak.
In recalling his rescue case, PC Lai Chi-hung, a policeman for 14 years, told Offbeat that he was patrolling with colleagues on February 7 last year when they received a call that a young man was trying to kill himself near the harbour off Western Street.
Mr Lai decided he should be the one to go into the water because he had a rescue certificate.
"The man had actually cut his neck first, and the wound was quite deep. When I held him, he just screamed 'why are you saving me?' At that moment, I just told him to calm down and that it would be okay," Mr Lai said of his first-ever rescue.
"It was winter and a very cold day, only 11 degrees Celsius. My arms and legs were not too agile, and that was a bit difficult during the rescue. But, in the end, my colleagues helped him and me from the water. I am so pleased that my training and qualification for the life-saving certificate had finally borne fruit," said Mr Lai.
The officers were among 21 Hong Kong people receiving commendation certificates at the Director of Marine's Commendation for Bravery Presentation Ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Marine, Mr Tsui Shung-yiu, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the recipients. He said that despite the Marine Department's policies and measures designed to enhance marine safety, without the bravery and community spirit of people like them, the task of maintaining safety at sea would definitely be much harder and the casualty rate correspondingly higher. 
Force 'heroes' rescued a total of three women and five men from the harbour