In an interview with OffBeat, Uncle Tong said he had over the years witnessed the changes at Mong Kok Station for the benefit of the public. "All the changes were made to provide a better service to the public in a more user-friendly environment. And both the outward appearance of the station and the Report Room have been given a face-lift," he said.

Uncle Tong is well liked by his colleagues because he always lends a helping hand, and his face always wears a broad grin. But his colleagues will soon miss his smiling face - he is calling it a day and will proceed on pre-retirement leave in June.

In recognition of his service, Kowloon West Regional Commander Tang How-kong presented a souvenir to Uncle Tong at the Police Sports and Recreational Club on April 3.

For Uncle Tong, Mong Kok Police Station has been his "warm and loving home" since he started working at the age of 18.

Although what he does every day at the station is lacklustre and mundane, Uncle Tong seldom finds his job boring, and he has never asked for transfer because he is happy at work and enjoys the camaraderie at the station. More importantly, he also gets job satisfaction.

"Although what I'm doing is nothing and can hardly compare with the jobs of police officers, I hope I've made a small contribution to the Force," he noted.

Not only officers and civilian staff, but also his immediate supervisor, Sergeant Milo Lai in charge of the Support Unit, will miss Uncle Tong. "Uncle Tong is hard working, punctual in reporting for duty and very helpful to his colleagues. Officers who had worked with him always spoke highly of his work performance," said SGT Lai.

Though approaching the age of 60, Uncle Tong still considers finding a job "to occupy myself more meaningfully" after doing some travelling during his well-earned pre-retirement leave.

Uncle Tong (second from left at the back row) at the Kowloon West Region Presentation Ceremony