On Thursday, September 25th, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service hosted its annual More Than Just Fires Awards at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli.
The evening was hosted by beloved broadcaster Eleri Sion best known for her warmth and energy on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and S4C.
The night was a special opportunity to give thanks and recognition to the remarkable efforts, hard work and dedication by Service staff over the last 12 months.
The ceremony included a total of 10 award categories made up of nominees who had been chosen by their colleagues. It included an award for Community Champion, Top Fundraiser and the Chief Fire Officer’s Special Recognition Award, to name but a few.
Speaking during the ceremony, CFO Thomas said:
“Tonight is about celebration and recognition- a chance to acknowledge the incredible dedication, bravery, and service of our teams and individuals who go above and beyond to protect our communities. From wildfires to rescue operations, to community safety initiatives - the work of our Service extends far beyond fighting fires and we are here to recognise that broader mission tonight.”
The winners of the evening were as follows:
Community Champion Award
The first award for Community Champion went to Crew Manager Steve Richards for his courageous response to a medical emergency near his home and has since championed bleed control awareness, installing bleed control kits at Llanelli Fire Station and the Masonic Hall.
Also shortlisted were Firefighter James Boyle of Swansea West Fire Station and Firefighter Douglas Preece of Presteigne Fire Station.
Top Fundraiser Award
The Top Fundraiser Award went to the crew at Presteigne Fire station for their exceptional commitment to fundraising – raising over £6,700 in 2024 for The Fire Fighters Charity and over £3,000 in 2025 for local suicide prevention charities.
Also shortlisted were Firefighter Rhys Fitzgerald of Kidwelly Fire Station and the Blue Watch Crew from Neath Fire Station.
Outstanding Teamwork Award
The Pensions Team won this category, recognising their resilience and dedication in navigating complex pension changes. A small team who’ve supported staff with clarity and care through decades of legislation.
Also shortlisted were the VAWDASV Training and Delivery Team, Hydrant Team and Education Team.
Unsung Hero Award
The fourth award of the evening went to Medical Response Officer Steven Jarvis who behind the scenes has worked towards expanding the service’s medical response capabilities to 39 stations across the area.
Also shortlisted were Station Manager Claire Powis from Joint Fire Control, Community Fire Safety Lead Practitioner Danny Lewis and Watch Manager Kevin Bassett.
Excellence in Service Award
The Excellence in Service Award went to three deserving individuals – Station Manager Stephen Griffiths, SHE Assure Coordinator Ffion James and Watch Manager Eifion Rees.
Health and Wellbeing Champion Award
The award for the Health and Wellbeing champion went to Haverfordwest Fire Station for their Wellbeing Garden. Their team transformed a neglected patch of grass into a vibrant wellbeing garden – creating a space to relax, reflect and connect, helping reduce stress and build camaraderie across Haverfordwest Station and Pembrokeshire HQ.
Also nominated were the Health and Wellbeing Podcast Team and Station Manager Simon Pearson.
Western Division Excellence Award
The award for Western Division Excellence went to Kidwelly Fire Station for their outstanding teamwork, professionalism and commitment to their community.
Also nominated were Llandeilo Fire Station and Pembroke Dock Fire Station.
Sothern Division Excellence Award
The award for Sothern Division Excellence went to Seven Sisters Fire Station who have shown continuous support to their community with two decades of support for the Fire Cadets programme.
Also nominated were the White Watch crew from Port Talbot Fire Station and Amman Valley Fire Station.
Northern Division Excellence Award
The award for Northern Division Excellence went to Tregaron Fire Station recognised for their professionalism, compassion, and strong community spirit. Their overnight response to the Hafod Estate wildfire and their care during a recent cardiac arrest incident reflect the crew’s selfless service and deep-rooted values.
Also nominated were Crickhowell Fire Station and Machynlleth Fire Station.
Chief Fire Officer’s Special Recognition Award
The final award category of the evening was the Chief Fire Officer’s Special Recognition Award. This award is a testament to the extraordinary individuals and teams who, through their exceptional bravery, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment, not only enhance our Service but also positively represent us in the community.
UK-ISAR Team
The United Kingdom International Search and Rescue Team is on call 24/7, 365 days a year and are ready to respond to humanitarian disasters across the globe. Since 1992, the team has been deployed to Major incidents in countries including Turkey, Haiti, Nepal, and most recently, Morocco, following the devastating 2023 earthquake on Al Haouz Province.
Amman Valley Fire Station
In the face of an unimaginable emergency, the crew from Amman Valley Fire Station displayed extraordinary courage, compassion and professionalism. Responding to a maternal cardiac arrest, they supported crews from the Emergency Medical Retrieval, Transfer Service and The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust in performing an emergency caesarean section on scene. Their calm and decisive actions helped save the life of a newborn child.
Station Manager Bleddyn Rees is also recognised for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support he provided his crew during and after the incident.
As the evening came to a close, it was evident that More Than Just Fires is far more than an awards ceremony - it’s a heartfelt tribute to the people who make Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service truly exceptional. From acts of bravery to quiet moments of compassion, each story shared was a powerful reflection of the Service’s deep-rooted commitment to its communities. Our sincere thanks go to all the nominees, winners, and those who support them - your dedication continues to inspire us all.