43-year veteran trains his sights on next generation

In 1974, at the age of 21, he was a constable at Pasir Panjang Police Post, regularly patrolling the neighbourhood.

Today, at the age of 62, Deputy Superintendent Azmy Abdullah is still serving the country. He is now the officer in charge of a training wing at the police's Training Command, where recruits are put through their paces.

After passing his retirement age of 55, he was re-employed by the Singapore Police Force. "I had the opportunity to pursue my other interests after retirement, but then I thought, why waste the invaluable knowledge and skills that I have gained over the years?" he told The Straits Times.

In his 43-year career with the Home Team, DSP Azmy has also been posted to other departments including the crime branch, the

Central Narcotics Bureau and the Traffic Police.

But the father of two grown-up children still remembers his second posting in Pasir Panjang fondly.

"I found it an enriching experience and had some amusing but proud moments when the folks treated me like their village chief, despite the fact that I was just in my early twenties with no rank.

"They saw police officers not just as their protectors, but also as their advisers, counsellors and leaders in conflict situations in their 'villages'."

To him, age is just a number.

"I think that age is a case of mind over matter - if you don't mind, it doesn't really matter," he said. "Although the training that I conduct now is physically demanding, I don't feel it.

"This is because of my belief that the work I do now is important and purposeful."

This article was first published on Mar 7, 2015.
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