The Emergency Response and Rescue Corps of Gozo (ERRC) has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with volunteers on search and rescue at the Canadian International Rescue Organisation, Red Deer County Search and Rescue in Canada and Lagan Search and Rescue from Belfast in Northern Ireland.
This agreement will cover collaboration and training between the NGOs over a five year period, including joint training abroad under the UN mechanism. It will also provide opportunities for the international partners to participate in exchange visits to the ERRC.
The Minister of Interior and National Security, Carmelo Abela, said that this MoU indicates that the ERRC is expressing their commitment for years to come, sharing their experiences and their skills to help people develop further in the area of rescue.
He noted that the ERRC also demonstrated that they are willing to increase the services offered in terms of preparedness and response, "knowing that in the event of a national emergency they could be called upon to provide the necessary assistance."
"I believe in continuous personal development through training and other learning experiences not only locally but also internationally. I applaud such professionalism and compassion towards those who give aid to those in danger, " said Carmelo Abela.
During this occasion Minister Abela presented certificates to members of the ERRC, the Civil Protection Department and the Police Force, who had attended the ERRC course on emergency response.
He urged the volunteers of ERRC Gozo to continue to live their mission: to strive for the safety of others, adding that the value of voluntary service is a noble goal.
Photographs: DOI/Jeremy Wonnacott