Home affairs minister commends ‘role model’ St John Rescue Corps

Home affairs minister Carmelo Abela has paid tribute to the St John Rescue Corps as a “role model” after the voluntary organisation signed a memorandum of understanding with a Malaysian emergency unit.

Speaking during the St John Rescue Corps’s annual review, the home affairs minister praised the organisation after it signed a memorandum of understanding with the newly-formed St John Ambulance Malaysia Emergency Rescue Unit.

The memorandum of understanding will see St John Rescue Corps provide technical assistance in the development of the Malaysian Emergency Rescue Unit.

“The signing of the memorandum of understanding shows that St John Rescue Corps is seen as a role model overseas.”

“It is very reassuring for the Maltese public to know that St John Rescue Corps is here to provide a backup rescue service to the Civil Protection Department. You have proven your capabilities at times of challenge, and for that, you have our gratitude," said Minister Abela  

He commended the Corps for believing in the importance of self-development through learning experiences, not only locally but also on an international level.

Together with Corps Commissioner Andrew Grech, minister Abela distributed medals and certificates to outstanding members of the Corps.

The annual review event also saw the inauguration of a €250,000 fire engine donated by Merseyside Fire Rescue Services.

St John Rescue Corps is a voluntary organisation with around seventy volunteers coming from all walks of life who train regularly and deploy in frontline operations. Since its inception in 1986, it has trained more than three thousand persons.