SINGAPORE - The Singapore Police Force held its annual Police Day parade on Sunday evening (June 3) to honour the contributions of officers past and present.

More than 800 people from the various divisions took part in the parade, which was held at the Home Team Academy.

During the event, two awards were presented by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, who is also Minister for Law.

They were the best land division award, which went to the Central Police Division, and the best national service operationally-ready unit award. This award went to the Public Transport Security Command (TransCom), which was set up in 2009 to step up security on public transport.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (NS) Wan Chee Tong, who is NS Commander of TransCom, said that he was "proud, privileged and humbled" by the award.

He stressed the importance of fitness and the ability to shoot in keeping his men operationally ready.

"As a father, I encourage my NSmen to be fit so that they will be able to run and play with their own children, and lead an active lifestyle," said the 49-year-old.

He added that giving his men this different perspective meant that participation and passing rates for the Individual Phyiscal Proficiency Test improved.

Central Police Division Commander Arthur Law added that his team was "pleasantly surprised and happy to have won this award".

"It is a result of the resilience and camaraderie demonstrated by officers, as well as the strong partnership with the community and stakeholders," said the Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Sunday's celebrations also included a performance by 100 bagpipers and drummers from six institutions, and featured a solo by famous bagpiper Ronnie Bromhead.