The Simon Schembri Blue Light Foundation was inaugurated today by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca at the San Anton Palace.

On 15 May police officer Simon Schembri was involved in a hit-and-run incident where he was dragged underneath a car for several meters causing serious injuries including damage to his limbs and lungs, and the subsequent amputation of his right arm.

This idea for the foundation was born the day Simon was hurt, founder Herman Mula said, with the primary objectives of this charitable foundation being the moral and psychological support of first responders, complimenting the support already given by the government.

Other objectives of the NGO include financial support for those first responders in need of help, and raising awareness of the various trials and tribulations these individuals go through in their various occupations. These occupations include those in the Police Corp, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), correctional facility officers, and the Civil Protection Department (CPD) .

As founder Michel Cardinal explained, the board of administrators will be made up of 9 members composed of 1 founder, 3 individuals chosen by the founder, and 1 representative from the police, CPD, AFM, emergency services, and correctional facility officers.

Simon Schembri himself said a few words during the ceremony, thanking his family and all those that supported him.

“My life changed completely. I am not the same Simon I was before, but a better version of myself.”

He received a standing ovation after his speech.

Following the founders of the NGO, political figures from both sides of the aisle took to the stand.

Nationalist MP Beppe Fenech Adami thanked Schembri for the example he gave to all of us, particularly for the way he held his own after what had happened to him.

“When in times of darkness where we could give up, beautiful things are born such as this foundation.”

Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia followed, and reminded those in attendance that almost every week he hears a story of first responders getting hurt, or threatened for the work they do.

Shadow Health Minister Stephen Spiteri hailed the day as one where a foundation was established that would keep strengthening the volunteer, and make our society stronger.

“How many times have we been asleep or having fun, and workers are saving and risking their lives to help others?”

Minister for Health Chris Fearne showed how the foundation was an example of how “every cloud has a silver lining”.

Simon Schembri Blue Light Foundation from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.

Finally, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca closed the ceremony by expressing how beautiful it is that when incidents like Schembri’s happen, the Maltese people all band together as one.

“The foundation is a celebration of this value.”