Tampines Fire Station's Handsome Firefighter Leaves SCDF After 14 Years

If you've spent any time on TikTok over the past few years, chances are you've come across videos from Tampines Fire Station.

You know the ones — firefighters dancing to the latest trends, taking on viral challenges and, judging by the comments, making plenty of Singaporeans suddenly very interested in fire safety.

Now, one of the most recognisable faces behind those viral clips, WO2 Muhammad Nursyahrin Md Yunan (@syahrin_jjang), has officially left the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) after 14 years of service.

The 34-year-old announced the news in an emotional Instagram post reflecting on his journey.

“Words can't describe how it feels to leave a place that watched me grow up. I came here as a young boy fresh out of school, and I'm leaving as a man with two beautiful kids, bigger dreams, and a heart full of memories,” he wrote.

He went on to thank the colleagues he served alongside over the years.

"You have shaped me in more ways than you'll ever know. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the lessons, the challenges, the friendships, and the countless moments of laughter we shared,” he wrote.

Looking back on his 14 years at Tampines Fire Station, Nursyahrin said he was leaving on a high.

"As I close this chapter of my life, I do so with a smile, knowing this place gave me some of the best years of my life. Now it's time to turn the page. I'm excited for what's ahead, for the new memories I'll create the people I'll meet, and the journey that awaits,” he shared.

"No matter where life takes me, a part of me will always belong here,” he added.

His next chapter has already started.

Nursyahrin is now a social media content creator at ShortcutX, a Singapore-based health and wellness brand.

Speaking to 8days.sg, Nursyahrin said leaving wasn't a decision he made lightly.

"I felt like I'd achieved what I wanted to in SCDF. I had the privilege of serving on the frontline, leading teams, and eventually discovering a passion for creating content and connecting with people through social media,” he said.

He also added that SCDF was where he discovered his love for storytelling, and says joining ShortcutX felt like the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into a career.”

Still, leaving wasn’t easy.

Asked what he will miss most after 14 years, he said, “Definitely the people. The brotherhood is something that's hard to explain unless you've experienced it. You go through difficult situations together, celebrate small wins together, and build friendships that last well beyond the job.”

Ironically, becoming one of Singapore's most recognisable firefighters was never part of the plan.

"It started as a way to educate the public while making the content relatable and engaging. I never imagined it would reach so many people or become something I'd be known for,” he said.

Nursyahrin has two daughters, aged 7 and 5, and becoming a parent completely changed how he viewed the job.

"Before [kids], every emergency call was about getting the job done. After becoming a dad, I found myself thinking more about the families behind every incident. When you rescue a child or comfort a parent, it hits differently because you imagine your own family in that situation,” he said.

As for being labelled one of Singapore's most handsome firefighters?

Nursyahrin laughed it off and said, "I take it as a compliment, but honestly, I don't really focus on that.”

"If people come for the looks but stay because they learned something about fire safety or gained a better appreciation for what firefighters do, then I think we've achieved something meaningful,” he added.

Of course, Internet fame follows him outside work.

"I've had people stare at me before asking, 'Eh... aren't you the TikTok firefighter?' even when I wasn't in uniform. One even asked for a photo while I was at the gym,” he laughed.

So does this mean he has hung up his firefighting gear for good?

With Jack Neo's upcoming Ah Boys to Firemen movie in the works, we couldn't resist asking if he would be interested should the director come calling.

His answer? Not quite.

"I'd be excited to watch it, but I don't think acting is for me. I've lived the firefighter life, so I would rather support the film from the audience and see how they bring our experiences to the big screen,” he said.

Photos: @syahrin_jjang/IG