Letters of appointment were presented today 12 Leading Assistant Rescue Officers at the Civil Protection Department.

The officers will help in the running of the various stations and coordinate fire-fighting and rescue operations.

The letters of appointment were presented by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela and Commandant John Rizzo.

The minister observed that such appointments were last made in 2006 and all stations would benefit from an increase of personnel. Manpower, he said, was the biggest it has been in 16 years, with some 180 fire-fighters.  

He also noted that working conditions have been improved, with the members of the Civil Protection Department having parity with the other disciplined forces, including early retirement and union representation.  

The minister promised further investment in equipment, including new vehicles. 

Mr Rizzo urged the officers to lead by example, to arrive as scenes of accidents promptly and to report back to the control room accurately.