12 members of the Civil Protection Department have been appointed as Leading Assistant Rescue Officers at the CPD HQ in Ta’ Kandja. The last similar promotions were carried out in 2006. The department now has 33 LAROs responsible for various stations and sections.

The appointment letters were presented by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela and CPD chief John Rizzo.

Mr Abela said the CPD is going through exciting times thanks to its vision as well as the regular investment being carried out by the government. This investment will continue throughout this year and will include the replacement of the CPD fleet.

The government is committed to strengthen the CPD’s human resources, which is currently made up of some 180 firemen. He also stressed on the need to improve working conditions, noting that, for the first time ever CPD employees would be entitled to a retirement pension after serving for 25 years. Mr Abela also noted that interviews were currently underway to engage volunteers with the department.

The Minister said the decision to station fire engines in the Paceville area had been well received and this initiative would be further developed.

CPD head John Rizzo appealed to the newly appointed LAROs to lead by example and to take their duties seriously. These duties, he said, included managing the stations, being the first on the scene of an accident and relaying correct information to the control room.