Police Superintendent Stephen Joe Gatt and PC Walter Sheldon have been named Officers of the Year for saving three people caught in the September 3 storm, even though they risked their life to do so.

They were awarded during a ceremony held at the police headquarters this morning.

A certificate of merit was awarded to another seven officers who also distinguished themselves at the place of work last year.

They are Emanuel Agius, Emanuel Axiaq, Patrick Farrugia, Mark Muscat, Paul Spiteri, Joseph Zarb and Noel Muscat.

The police District 3, which is made up of Paola, Tarxien, Fgura, Luqa and Sta Lucia, saw a 6.69 per cent drop in the criminality rate, the highest drop from among all districts.

The ceremony also saw a group of 26 constables, including nine women, becoming sergeants.

In an address, Police Commissioner John Rizzo told the new sergeants they had to be responsible, take care of their constables and remember their oath at all times.

Victims of crime had to be treated equally for what might seem minor to an officer would be major to the victim.

Mr Rizzo told the new sergeants to be careful who their friends were and where they went. “You are being trusted it is now up to you.”

The country, he said, was now preparing for an election so the force had to be prepared for any eventuality.