Families celebrate three generations of Hong Kong marine police officers on Father’s Day
Sergeant Lam Cheuk-lun didn’t encourage his two sons to join the force, but they did after taking an interest in their father’s work
Like many busy fathers, marine police officer Lam Cheuk-lun spent little time with his sons when they were young.
His eldest son, 11, decided one day to find out why his father was always busy and asked to visit his workplaces, a move that landed him in the same profession 11 years later. This meant the Lams had three generations of police officers.
Now 24, Lam Ho-chun recalled: “I followed my father to sea, visiting his work areas and learning about sailing from him.”
Joining the force in 2015 as a marine constable, he said he understood more now why his father was too busy to go home when he was young.
“I respect and admire my father and follow his lead in both career and life,” he said.
Eighteen months ago, his younger brother, Lam Ho-long, 21, also joined the force as a marine constable.
“My father’s experience sounded challenging and I wanted to try it out myself,” the youngest son said.
The father, 45, a sergeant in the marine police west division, revealed how he too was inspired by his father, Lam Mei-chai.
“I myself was influenced by my father who was a marine police officer. I thank him for giving me such a happy family and leading me to such an exciting career,” Sergeant Lam said.
He said he did not pressure his sons to choose the same career as him.
“They were very interested in my job and I feel happy to know that they want to follow me as a marine police officer because it shows that they identify with me as a father,” he said.
His eldest son said while he took pride in his father, he did not want his colleagues to treat him specially just because his father was a marine sergeant.
The Lams were sharing their story ahead of Father’s Day with Tim Worrall, a superintendent in the marine police south division, who also comes from a three-generation police family.
“My father left me to continue his career after he retired and I can pass down the marine career to the next generation,” said Worrall, whose father retired from the marine police force in 1997 after 30 years of service.
“My father taught me not to be embarrassed or ashamed to study from others and ask for advice from them. Whenever I face problems at sea, I call my father and ask him for advice,” he said.
Worrall, 44, said he would let his 20-year-old daughter, Charlotte, decide her career path.
“No matter what profession she chooses, I will encourage and support her.”
