From playing floorball to putting out fires, twin brothers SGT1 Irfan Iskandar Bin Abu Hasrin (left) and SGT1 Arfan Andreanee Bin Abu Hasrin have done almost everything together. Now serving in the SCDF, they’ve brought their lifelong bond to the frontlines — supporting each other through training, deployments and operational duties.
Growing up, twin brothers SGT1 Irfan and SGT1 Arfan — born just one minute apart — were practically inseparable. They attended the same schools, joined the same co-curricular activities and bonded over a shared passion for tennis and floorball. This close bond continued into their National Service when they enlisted in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) at the same time.
Their journey began with Basic Rescue Training (BRT) at the Civil Defence Academy. But just a week in, their paths diverged. Irfan set his sights on becoming a Section Commander, while Arfan underwent the Firefighter Course. Still, that brief overlap in training was memorable. “It was funny when instructors or trainees mistook one of us for the other,” Arfan recalls with a laugh.
The brothers are also each other’s training buddy, maintaining their fitness routines together. “We gym and train together, just like we always have,” says Irfan, noting that transitioning into uniformed life was the biggest adjustment to adapt to. “The main challenge was learning to be independent, and to take responsibility for ourselves and our gear,” he adds.
Arfan agrees, chiming in: “Physical training was tough, but we constantly encouraged each other to do better. That drive kept us going, and as we progressed through our training, we grew more confident and emerged stronger, both physically and mentally.”
After graduating from the Firefighter Course in October 2023, Arfan was posted to Changi Fire Station with Rota 1. Two months later, Irfan completed his Section Commander Course and joined Rota 2 at the same fire station.
“We really didn’t expect to be posted to the same fire station,” Arfan shares. Irfan adds: “Initially, I hoped that we would be assigned to the same Rota. But in hindsight, this arrangement is better as we get to respond to different emergencies and learn from each other’s experiences.”
While their roles differ, their camaraderie hasn’t wavered. As a Section Commander, Irfan leads a team of four firefighters, while Arfan focuses on executing his assigned tasks during each incident. “Understanding each other’s roles and perspectives at the fireground has helped us appreciate the challenges faced by the other,” said Arfan, who often seeks leadership advice from his brother.
For Irfan, Arfan’s perspective has been eye-opening. “I’d ask him about situations he’s encountered on the ground, especially during complex operations, because it helps me lead more effectively and coordinate better with my team,” he explains. “As a Section Commander, I have to assess situations and be decisive while prioritising the safety of my team. As my brother is a firefighter, understanding things from his perspective helps me to be more aware of my team’s concerns and expectations.”
This mutual respect and openness have helped them ease into their respective roles. “As frontliners, we must uphold high standards to save lives ,” says Arfan. “With the leadership advice and encouragement from my brother, I can better support my commanders and colleagues.”
Since joining Changi Fire Station, both brothers have grown in skill and confidence through real-world experience and consistent training. They also credit their personal growth to the people around them. “We greatly appreciate the guidance and encouragement from our supervisors and fellow NSFs. They’ve made our NS experience fun and rewarding,” says Irfan with a smile.
One particularly memorable moment in their NS journey happened when both brothers responded to the same fire in Loyang — even though they were on separate shifts.
Less than an hour before the end of their shift, Irfan’s Rota was midway through a high-rise fire drill when an emergency call came in. “We quickly mobilised, established the water supply and set up water jets to contain the fire,” he recalls. “As it was a prolonged operation, our shift ended and the next Rota took over.”
Among those who relieved the firefighters on-site was his brother Arfan. “We had a brief exchange at the fireground before my Rota took over. We continued the operation until the fire was completely extinguished,” Arfan adds.
This incident was just one of many experiences at Changi Fire Station that brought the brothers closer and deepened their admiration for each other.
“I’ve admired my brother’s leadership skills since we were young,” shares Arfan. “He steps up, even when things get tough. Although he does make mistakes sometimes, he learns and grows from these experiences.” It’s a quality he now strives to adopt in his own journey — learning what it means to lead and care for others in a team.
Irfan, in turn, praised Arfan’s grit. “My brother has an incredible ability to overcome adversity. Even if he struggles at first, he never gives up. I remember a fire incident which he responded to at midnight. He was part of the Red Rhino crew that managed to contain the fire before the fire engine arrived. I’m proud of the confident, capable firefighter he has become,” he says. Seeing his brother’s perseverance firsthand is something Irfan hopes to take with him beyond NS — especially when facing future challenges.
Now in the final month of their NS stint, both brothers agree that it has been a meaningful chapter in their lives — one filled with challenges, growth and purpose. “From attending the same primary school to serving the nation together in the SCDF, it has been an incredible journey,” Arfan reflects.
Irfan echoes the sentiment: “Being a part of the SCDF is truly fulfilling. When we respond to a call and help someone in their hour of need, it directly impacts their lives in a meaningful way. Doing it alongside my twin brother makes it even more special.”
*This story has been adapted from an article that was originally published in SCDF’s digital magazine, Rescue995.
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