On the evening of 9 November 2024, during the children’s mass at St Joseph’s Church, Upper Bukit Timah, a man suddenly attacked Father Christopher Lee while he was distributing Holy Communion. The assailant wielded a foldable knife, inflicting serious wounds, including an 8 cm laceration on his tongue and injuries to his lips, creating panic among parishioners and especially the many children in attendance.
As the attack unfolded at around 6.30 pm, chaos ensued. The attacker was later found to carry four additional weapons, including a penknife and mallet. It was later confirmed that there was no evidence of religious motivation—a reminder of how unpredictable and indiscriminate such acts of violence can be within seemingly safe settings.
Retired Officer Steps Up Without Hesitation
Among the congregation was Mr Richard Tan Chai Boon, a retired police officer formerly attached to the Singapore Police Force’s Special Operations Command, responsible for the security of the founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Having retired in May 2018 after 38 years of distinguished service, including receiving the Efficiency Medal (2006) and Long Service Medal (2007), Tan had transitioned to civilian life—working now as Head of Investigations, Training & Safety at SATS Security Services.
Yet at that moment, his instincts were irrepressible. Without hesitation, he sprang into action to help subdue the attacker. It was a swift response, honed by decades of professional training, that helped safeguard the priest and congregation.
Joined by Fellow Churchgoer Damien Liew
Assisting Tan was Mr Damien Liew Khee Rui, a lay congregant. Observing the unfolding crisis, Liew said: “I needed to do something to make sure that no one else gets hurt.” Together, the duo intervened decisively. Their combined efforts helped disarm the assailant, restrain him, and prevent escalation of violence within the crowded church hall.
Their teamwork was critical: Tan leveraged his experience and authority, while Liew supplied situational initiative and presence of mind. Parish emergency-response team members also contributed to restraining the suspect, but it was the pairing of Tan and Liew that proved essential in the heat of confrontation.
Honours for Bravery and Public Spirits
On 10 November 2024, both Richard Tan and Damien Liew were awarded the Singapore Police Force’s Public Spiritedness Award at a ceremony held at Jurong Police Division Headquarters. The SPF Deputy Commander, DAC Bertran Chia, commended their immediate response and composure under pressure.
Tan reflected that their reaction was “very instinctive” given they “saw our priest being attacked.” Liew reiterated that his motivation came from the determination to ensure no one else would be harmed.
SATS CEO Henry Low praised Tan’s courage, “selfless spirit and professional instinct,” adding that his actions exemplified the company’s pride in having him on their team.
Courage Beyond Duty
As Singapore marks its 60th anniversary, the actions of Richard Tan Chai Boon and Damien Liew remind us that heroism sometimes lies in routine faithfulness to community values—not flash or ceremony. They illustrate that in moments of crisis, courage transcends retirement or rank.
Their response demonstrates that public service ethos doesn’t retire. In one of Singapore’s oldest parishes, two ordinary individuals acted with extraordinary resolve—protecting lives and reinforcing trust within a sacred space. Their story is a quiet yet powerful reminder that shared safety comes from readiness, not coincidence.
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