Police officer Simon Schembri, who was run over by an under-aged driver last May, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on Monday.

He was given his Sergeant’s stripes in a ceremony attended by Home Affairs and National Security Minister Michael Farrugia and Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

Farrugia spoke of how he had followed Schembri’s recovery and how he had made certain commitments with the injured officers and his family.

He said Schembri was being promoted to Sergeant because he has been an inspiration and brought unity within the police force. Sergeant Schembri has launched a foundation that helps injured officers and their families – the Simon Schembri Blue Light Foundation.

He had also inspired the budget measure that introduced an insurance scheme for members of the uniformed services. The scheme will start this year.

Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar said this was an important day for the Malta Police Force and was the result of all the work Simon Schembri had done since the accident. He said Schembri was an inspiration to him and to all members of the police force.