Former S'pore actor, 51, from Triple 9 & Crimewatch, retires from police force after about 20 years

Former actor Gary Lee Wei, known for his roles in television shows like "Triple Nine", "Moulmein High", and "Crimewatch", has retired from the police force after about 20 years as a police volunteer.

Lee recently shared the update via TikTok, adding that he retired early because he got married and had a baby boy.

As a result, he could no longer afford the time for weekend duty operations, which he said could last anywhere from "eight to 10 hours at night" till early in the morning, citing 10pm to 6am hours.

Lee, who turns 52 in a month, called his retirement "a pity" as he still felt fit enough to work.

According to the MHA website, the Volunteer Special Constabulary (VSC) is an "important part" of the Singapore Police Force. VSC officers are vested with the same powers as regular police.

"As a VSC officer, you will don the same uniform as regulars. You will patrol the streets, be the first responder when a crime is reported, and participate in anti-crime operations."

Various tasks

Nonetheless, being a police volunteer gave him the opportunity to experience things that members of the public do not.

Citing a "parang" attack incident outside Orchard Towers, Lee recounted seeing multiple slash wounds on a person's arms when he arrived at the scene.

Since the assailant escaped before the police arrived, the only thing that could be done was to call an ambulance, Lee said, adding he was thankful that the victim survived.

In a separate robbery case, Lee recalled chasing a subject with his partner from Takashimaya to Scotts Road and then into the underground tunnel towards Orchard MRT, where the subject was later apprehended at the exit with the help of other colleagues.

Gratitude

This showed how the role of a police volunteer often involves various tasks, from assisting in community events to supporting initiatives that promote safety and awareness, he said in his TikTok caption.

Reflecting on his time as a volunteer, Lee said he is filled with gratitude as he had the honour of "working alongside committed individuals who share a common goal: to serve and protect our community".

This instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and engagement with the people around him.

"The impact we make as volunteers goes beyond our immediate efforts; it creates a ripple effect within the community," he said, urging others to consider volunteering and getting involved with local initiatives.

Future plans

Following his retirement, Lee wishes to focus a bit more time on his toddler son for the time being.

His next step? Volunteering at an organisation that helps at-risk children.

"Here's to new beginnings while carrying forward the lessons learned in service," he said.

Top photos via SPF/ YouTube and Lee's TikTok