Meet Captain Gwendelyn Ong: The Trailblazer of Punggol Fire Station
Captain Gwendelyn Ong is not just any officer—she’s the very first woman to climb the ranks to senior status in the bustling Punggol Fire Station. Think of her as the queen of emergency response, a master of the 24‑hour rotational circus that keeps the city safe.
Daytime: The Fire‑fighting, Life‑saving Hero
- Rota Commander Extraordinaire – During her shifts, Captain Ong coordinates the team’s response to fire and rescue calls, making sure every emergency is handled with precision and a dash of seasoned calm.
- Team Leader on the Clock – She leads a tight-knit crew through the grueling midnight to morning grind, ensuring morale stays high even when the lights are dim and the adrenaline is high.
After Hours: The Cheerleading Dynamo
When the sirens fall silent, Gwendelyn swaps her firefighter gear for a bright outfit and a whistle. She’s a competitive cheerleader, not just a hobbyist, and she’s proud to belong to an all‑girls squad that brings bubbly energy to the mat. Imagine the juxtaposition: a firefighter who can also launch her team into the air with a flawless tumbling routine!
With her dual feats of bravery on the ground and height in the air, Captain Ong reminds us that you can be a life‑saving guardian by day and a cheer‑leading super‑star by night—all while keeping the community safe and entertained.
Meet Singapore’s Most Dedicated Firefighter – Also a Competitive Cheerleader
Ong isn’t just any firefighter – she’s the first female senior officer at Singapore’s newest Punggol Fire Station and the most senior in the crew. When Covid‑19 allows, she hammers out two training sessions a week with a squad called “Whales” who make really cheers look real.
The “Whales” Are No Mere Pretenders
- Each shout and routine is choreographed for maximum impact.
- They’re so good you could swear professional cheerleaders were born there.
- Times a week, the band performs to keep morale high – and to keep heartbeats up.
From All‑Girls School to a Male‑Dominated World
Ong grew up in an all‑girls secondary school, mainly playing on single‑gender teams. Stepping into the SCDF, a field that had been traditionally male‑dominated, sounded pretty intimidating. Luckily, her male colleagues treated her like any other teammate and respected her as a leader.
Why the Great Firefighter Took the SCDF Route
While friends were debating career options, Ong locked in her future early. She walked away from a scholarship, finished GCE A Levels, and straight out of university she joined SCDF.
“The mission of life‑saving feels right for me. I’m proud that no matter what emergency pops up, my crew’s always ready to lend a hand,” Ong says.
Punggol Fire Station – Singapore’s First “Smart” Station
- Opened February 25th.
- Features digital interfaces and top‑notch design for rapid response.
- Includes smart classrooms with VR/XR training systems and a multi‑facade training tower.
Work‑Life Balance? Check!
Despite the high stakes of firefighting, Ong finds time to sprint, tumble, and perform routine exacts. Whether it’s emerging from a blazing structure or executing a perfect lift, you can count on her to keep both ends of the spectrum in top shape.
Takeaway
Ong shows that you can blend duty and passion, perform spell‑binding cheers, and still be a life‑saving champion for Singapore. If you’re ever in doubt about balancing the grind and the grind, just give the fire station “Whales” a chance – they’re screaming that you can do it all!
