What would you take with you, if the house were on fire? It's a common mental exercise designed to determine what objects we value most in life, with the aim to perhaps extrapolate from our choices, some further meaning about our subconscious. The model works well because it is universally understood that a burning house is something we naturally escape from. That is unless you happen to be a very special kind of person, who puts their own safety second, in order to save others.

Locally we are blessed to have an admirable team of men and women who do just that - put their lives in danger to see others being taken to safety, and that is the Civil Protection Department or as we often refer to it, the CPD.

In its present form, the CPD has only been in operation since 2000, as before that, a civil protection and firefighting function did exist for many years, albeit it formed part of other disciplined corps such the Police or Armed Forces. In fact, this is a special year for our CPD during which it is celebrating its first Silver Jubilee - an important milestone by any measure. My most sincere congratulations for this anniversary to all past and present officials who have contributed to build this honourable corps, one emergency at a time.

Over these past 25 years, the CPD has responded to innumerable emergencies, both natural as well as caused by humans. In coordination with the Police, the Armed Forces, the Health Departments and various other voluntary first responders, the CPD has served Maltese society well, in providing the necessary peace of mind that whatever happens, we are in good hands.

That is why, in certain episodes that we see unfold on our newsfeeds, the CPD is absolutely the only silver lining in a dreadful situation. Episodes like the tragic death of Miriam Pace, who was slain in her own home, as irresponsible excavation works next door, jeopardised the structural integrity of the edifice she was in, claiming her life. the equally tragic passing of John Paul Sofia, who left his home for work one fine morning never to return. Many other work-related fatalities, as well as similar episodes that saw other buildings being brought down like a house of cards, with houseowners skiving death only through a lucky escape.

In all cases, the CPD's tempestuous response is often crucial to mitigate risk and avoid loss of life from dangerous situations. We see them at work on our roads, on our building sites, in our towns and villages - because an unfortunate event can unfold just anywhere, and the CPD is well aware of this.

That is why I feel especially aggravated when the Prime Minister tries to politicise such an honourable institution by claiming that one government supported it better or some other insolent rubbish which I will not reproduce here.

The CPD rises way above party politics, as it has served the country incredibly well since its formal formation, as well as the many years it operated under different formats before.

I am honoured to live in a country where the population can go to sleep at night knowing that if God forbid a terrible situation were to unfold, a well-equipped, well-trained and most importantly, motivated Civil Protection Department is ready to spring into action to save lives and mitigate danger.

Often, the CPD is joined by an equally praiseworthy corps of volunteers, truly passionate about first response. Same can be said about other private NGOs such as the Red Cross and St John's Ambulance who dedicated their time and energy for the benefit of others.

I salute the brave men and women of the CPD, and while thanking them for their sterling service to the nation, wish them the very best for the future.

Dr Darren Carabott is the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and President of the Public Accounts Committee