In a shocking case that has reverberated throughout Singapore's firefighting community, Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) Muhammad Kamil Mohamed Yasin, 39, was sentenced to six months in jail following the tragic death of a full-time national serviceman (NSF) firefighter, Edward H. Go, during a firefighting operation at Block 91 Henderson Road on December 8, 2022.

The incident unfolded when Kamil, who had been a firefighter since 2008, succumbed to fatigue and exited the blaze, leaving 19-year-old Sgt 1 Go to face the flames alone. It is a long-established protocol within the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) that firefighters must operate in pairs to ensure their safety. Alarmingly, Kamil did not inform other firefighters that Go was unaccompanied, a decision that would have dire consequences.

Sgt 1 Go was discovered unconscious in the kitchen of the affected unit and was pronounced dead later that day, marking him as the first firefighter to lose his life in active duty within the SCDF. In recognition of his bravery, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

During the hearing on January 15, the court heard that Kamil initially displayed reluctance to fully disclose events as they unfolded, providing inconsistent accounts during police interviews. Deputy Public Prosecutor Benjamin Low emphasized the gravity of Kamil's actions, stating that leaving a firefighter to face a fire alone is never justifiable in the SCDF.

Witness testimonies revealed that prior to Kamil's exit, both he and a third firefighter had felt overwhelmed by the intense heat and pressure of the situation. After requesting a second fire hose and feeling disoriented, Kamil made the fateful decision to leave Go behind — a choice he will now pay for as he grapples with the devastating loss of life stemming from what officials consider a reckless act.

In a poignant moment during sentencing, District Judge Shawn Ho expressed his condolences to the Go family, acknowledging the tragedy that could have been averted. "Mr. Edward H. Go lost his life while serving National Service as a brave firefighter," he stated, visibly affected by the proceeding.

In light of these events, the SCDF has committed to upholding strict operational standards to prevent similar incidents in the future. Following Kamil's sentencing, he has been placed on unpaid leave and is facing disciplinary actions that could include dismissal from the force. Another unnamed officer who was involved in the response to the incident is also under investigation for possible misconduct.

This case has heightened awareness regarding the critical safety protocols in firefighting operations, reaffirming the necessity for teamwork and immediate communication in emergency situations. As the SCDF continues its internal review and reevaluation of safety measures, the heartbreaking loss of Sgt 1 Go reverberates as a solemn reminder of the risks firefighters face in their line of duty.