Certis officer, 47, dies after collapsing at NDP rehearsal

A Certis auxiliary police officer died after collapsing during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) on June 21.

The 47-year-old man was from the OneChangi contingent for the parade and ceremony segment of NDP 2025.

He was an employee of Certis, said the security firm's spokesman Robin Goh in response to queries from The Straits Times. Certis is one of nine companies in the OneChangi contingent.

Mindef and CAG said the incident happened at 11.23am.

The man was immediately taken to the on-site medical post and, upon arriving at 11.26am, was attended to by the medical officer on duty.

The man was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately, but he remained unresponsive.

At about 11.40am, he was transferred to a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ambulance on standby to be taken to Singapore General Hospital, where he arrived just before noon. Efforts to resuscitate the man continued on the way to the hospital.

The man was pronounced dead at about 12.20pm, said Mindef and CAG.

"Changi Airport Group and the NDP 2025 executive committee are in contact with the family and providing full support during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family," they said.

Mr Goh said Certis is working closely with Mindef and CAG to provide the man's family with support and assistance.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the officer's family and loved ones during this difficult time," he added.

The police said based on preliminary investigations, they do not suspect foul play. Investigations are ongoing.

CAG spokesman Ivan Tan said there are nine companies in the OneChangi contingent, including CAG, Certis, ground handler and in-flight caterer Sats, and Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes.

NDP 2025, which will be held on Aug 9 at the Padang and Marina Bay, will feature 17 other civilian contingents.

Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, who is one of the NDP contingent commanders this year, wrote in a Facebook post on the evening of June 21: "I am grateful to the NDP committee, organisers, first responders and counsellors who responded with care, compassion and strength in a moment of deep sorrow for all of us; amidst the pomp of the parade and celebratory fireworks this evening."