SCDF officer passes away on 31 Aug, friends and former colleagues pay tribute
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) announced the passing of Colonel Abdullah Bin Abu Bakar Bafadhal on Tuesday (1 Sept).
Colonel Abdullah, who held several leadership roles during his career with SCDF, passed away on Monday (31 Aug).
Source: Death Kopitiam Singapore on Facebook
News of Colonel Abdullah’s passing began circulating online after the Death Kopitiam Singapore Facebook page shared his obituary published in The Straits Times.
His cause of death was not disclosed. A separate Facebook post stated that he would be laid to rest at Lim Chu Kang Cemetery.
Held several senior roles during his career with SCDF
During his career with SCDF, Colonel Abdullah held several senior appointments, including Head of Operations Branch in the 2nd SCDF Division.
He also served as Senior Assistant Director for Community Preparedness in the Volunteer and Community Partnership Department.
Source: @myscdf on Instagram
On 8 July 2025, then-Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah was among eight SCDF officers recognised at the Public Sector Transformation Awards Ceremony, where he received the Citizen Engagement Excellence Award.
SCDF highlighted his contributions to the Save-a-Life (SAL) initiative, which aims to strengthen community response to emergencies by equipping members of the public with lifesaving tools and skills.
Source: Singapore Civil Defence Force on LinkedIn
Remembered as an exemplar of SCDF’s core values
Beyond his professional contributions, Colonel Abdullah also left a lasting impression on those who knew him personally.
Following news of his passing, friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances penned heartfelt tributes on Facebook, remembering him as a respected officer, mentor, and community figure.
One individual recalled meeting Colonel Abdullah around 2009, when they knew each other for just two weeks.
Despite the brief encounter, the poster said it was enough to remember him as “a man of great character”, describing him as a naturally gifted and charismatic leader who was, “above all else, kind”.
The world is a lesser place without him.
Source: Facebook
Another individual said they had the “privilege of knowing” Colonel Abdullah and had witnessed first-hand his dedication to his duties, as well as the care he showed towards officers under his charge.
He was a true exemplar of the SCDF core values, leading by example and shaping the lives of many within the Lifesaving Force.
The poster also described him as “a great leader, mentor, and friend”, adding that he would be “dearly missed but never forgotten”.
Writing on behalf of fellow Community First Responders (CFRs), the poster said they grieved alongside Colonel Abdullah’s family and colleagues.
Source: Facebook
Others who had crossed paths with Colonel Abdullah echoed these sentiments.
One commenter offered their condolences and remembered him as an officer who “led by example and cared for his men”.
Source: Facebook
Another described Colonel Abdullah as “[probably] the best CFS during” National Service (NS), recalling him as a “very humble and approachable person”.
Source: Facebook
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Featured image courtesy of Death Kopitiam Singapore on Facebook and @myscdf on Instagram.