Police officer Simon Schembri was met with a long standing ovation on Sunday morning as he walked up to collect the Officer of the Year title during the force’s annual award-giving ceremony.
The 48-year-old traffic policeman lost an arm last year when he was dragged several metres under a car in a hit-and-run after he tried to stop 17-year-old Liam Debono, who was over-speeding in a Mercedes. The youth stands charged with attempted murder and is out on bail after pleading not guilty to the charges.
Mr Schembri was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his work.
Speaking during the event, Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar said that Mr Schembri was not awarded the title only because of the accident, but also for his work after that, including his work with the newly-set up Simon Schembri Blue Light Foundation, which offers psychological as well as financial support to first responders.
This year marks the first time in 13 years that the officer of the year was selected after the members of the force themselves nominated their peers.
“This is my favourite event because not only do we recognise those who went above and beyond in their work but also because it gives me…