Stomp team receives SCDF Public Spiritedness Award for helping elderly man

The team behind citizen journalism website Stomp received an accolade from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on Thursday (March 17) for helping an elderly man who had fallen down while crossing a road.

SCDF's assistant director of public affairs Lieutenant-Colonel Leslie Williams presented the Stomp team, led by editor Mr Azhar Kasman, with the Public Spiritedness Award, which is given out to members of the public who have displayed courageous or outstanding deeds that save lives.

The presentation was carried out at Singapore Press Holdings' News Centre.

On March 7, Mr Azhar and his team were driving out for a late lunch when the car they were in reached the junction of Braddell Road and Bishan Road at about 4.30pm.

An elderly man was crossing the road halfway when the lights turned green in favour of motorists. The man then stopped walking, stood at the crossing in front of a lorry and suddenly fell on his back.

By this point, some vehicles had started moving off even though the man was still lying on the road.

Mr Azhar and his colleagues, whose vehicle had been behind the lorry, stopped their car and turned on the hazard lights before getting down to assist the elderly man.

The lorry driver and his passenger also alighted from their vehicle to help carry the man to the side of the road. Mr Azhar then called an ambulance and waited with the elderly man until paramedics arrived.

The Stomp team later posted details and photos of the incident on their website.

Mr Azhar said: "I was surprised when I heard about the award. I feel honoured, but the reason why we shared this story is to inspire others to help people in need whenever they can.

"In fact, there are many people out there more deserving of this award because of the kind deeds they have done. Often, their acts go unnoticed."

sujint@sph.com.sg