The story of the 'steel roses' of Nghe An province.

(Baonghean.vn) - Behind the dedication to their profession and the heroic achievements of the 10 female special forces police officers of Nghe An province lie silent struggles that not everyone understands.

"The 'steel roses' of the Nghe An riot police."

All 10 girls are young soldiers, some just turning 20, selected from the Armed Police Training School under the Ministry of Public Security. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

In the cold, drizzly weather of late winter, beads of sweat still rolled down the faces of the 10 girls from the Special Forces Police Squad of the Mobile Police and Protection Department (PK20) of the Nghe An Provincial Police. All 10 girls are young officers, some just turning 20, selected from the Armed Police Training School under the Ministry of Public Security.

Observing a martial arts training session, the qigong exercises performed by the female special forces police officers—such as having their teammates smash rocks placed on their hands with sledgehammers, rope swinging, and unarmed combat—left those of us outside the force in awe of the steely spirit and unwavering will of these "steel roses" of PK20. Despite being women, their movements were decisive and powerful.

A mission undertaken by female special forces police officers. Photo: Canh Nam.

A day for these "steel roses" begins at 5:30 a.m. After morning training, those on duty head out to perform their tasks, while the rest stay home to train or carry out their assigned work. That's their daytime work and training; when night falls, they are ready to patrol, even in the cold, late hours of the night, or during unexpected deployments.

After each training session, they might suffer sprains, dislocations, or bruising all over their bodies, but the women still go to work as usual without a single complaint. Perhaps, the members all understand that only through sweat and tears can patrol duties become less dangerous.

Sharing her thoughts with us, Lieutenant Vo Thi Huyen Trang, the team leader of the female Special Police Unit, said that being a female special police officer presents many difficulties, especially in patrol duties. Despite receiving thorough training at the academy, the first time on duty still causes some nervousness and tension. Not to mention the numerous times they are teased or subjected to offensive language by offenders while on duty.

Depending on practical requirements, PK20 also participates in patrols and control in key and complex areas, preventing illegal street racing, ensuring the safety of high-ranking Party and State officials, and international delegations visiting the locality... Lieutenant Trang said that although they still have limitations in physical strength compared to their male colleagues, the members of PK20 have certain advantages such as flexibility and adaptability in handling situations.

A moment of rest for the female police officers of PK20 after hours of training and patrolling. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

Sergeant Lang Thi Thu Dao recounted that during the recent Lunar New Year holiday, her patrol team, consisting of Sergeant Ngu Thi Binh and four male colleagues, was on duty on Nguyen Trai Street (Vinh City) when they spotted a sleeper bus stopping to pick up passengers illegally. They signaled the bus to stop for inspection.

However, the bus driver not only failed to stop but also swerved, forcing the task force's vehicle to the side of the road before speeding away. Immediately, the task force chased after him. On a deserted road, the bus driver deliberately sped up to try and shake them off, but using their professional skills, the task force pursued the vehicle for 1 kilometer before finally catching up.

Disregarding the danger, Ms. Dao and a male colleague risked their lives, cutting in front of the bus on their motorbike to force it to stop for processing. Initially, upon seeing that I was a woman, the bus company seemed uncooperative, even showing signs of displeasure. However, faced with the gentle yet firm approach of the entire task force, the bus company finally presented their documents and complied with the authorities' requests.

According to Ms. Dao, stories like chasing after fleeing offenders, being teased, or being verbally abused are commonplace.

Despite being serious at work and strong during training, in their daily lives, they are still cheerful, happy, and kind young women. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

In the case of Sergeant Chu Thi Ngoc, even though she is married and has young children, she is always ready to take on any assignment. For example, on Valentine's Day this year, her whole family had planned a trip, but when she received the order, both she and her husband were ready to cancel their plans, leave their children with their grandparents, and set off.

The women of PK20 confided that, as girls, who wouldn't want to have fair skin, soft hands, and go out with their boyfriends on holidays… but for these 10 women of PK20, because they love their profession, those were just moments of weakness. After overcoming everything, they return to their rightful place as female special forces police officers with the responsibility of protecting the peace and safety of the people.

Chu Thanh - Thanh Cuong