News
Tenby’s first female firefighter takes her first shift
CINDY RICHARDS who has joined Tenby’s volunteer fire crew, the service has announced, said that she first thought about joining the fire service a few years ago, after a close friend who had been a firefighter for 20 years suggested it.
“I’d been interested in the Ambulance service but after a bit of research it would mean leaving my job and going back to college, and as I’m a single mum, this wasn’t an option financially,” she explained.
“I work in The Glen pharmacy as a dispenser, and I love the part of my job which helps people every day, but I needed something more to do, so helping the local community by joining the fire service seemed like something I’d enjoy!
“About 12 months ago I decided now was the time to apply for the fire service and take on the challenge! I only work part-time, and my daughter was 16 so I had time to put my whole attention towards it.
“I started the application process in January and started the training at the beginning of February. I can honestly say it’s the hardest thing I’ve done physically, and I’ve done Ironman Wales!
“There were times when I didn’t think I was strong enough, but the instructors were amazing with me! They encouraged me to keep going, not that I was going to give up!
“Also, the guys that were on my training course were amazing, we helped each other through it,” she continued.
Cindy whose dad and his brothers were members of the Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew many years ago, whilst her cousin Rob is also currently a crew member, as well as being a policeman, said that she could recommend to any female who is thinking of joining the fire service, or indeed any of the emergency services, to go for it.
“There definitely aren’t enough females in the fire service but I feel that this is definitely changing,” she remarked.
“Everyone I’ve met through training or on shouts have been so nice and encouraging. The training is tough but it’s worth it! It’s like having a brand-new family!
“Tenby fire station is a massive part of the local community, and as a child growing up in Tenby the Firefighter’s Carnival was the highlight of the summer.
“The firefighters in Tenby are a renowned part of the community and are seen to be friendly and very approachable, so I’m super honoured to be a part of their team!”
Also climbing on board with the Tenby fire crew recently is local Carpenter Luke Hartland.
“It was great to go through training with Luke knowing that we’d both be the new guys at Tenby, he gave me encouragement and told me to stop moaning! Since joining I’ve realised more and more that in the fire service it’s all about teamwork, no one is ever on their own,” added Cindy.
A spokesperson for Tenby Fire Station told The Herald: “Both new additions have settled in very well and are progressing well with their development.”
Crime
Man charged with attempted murder after child found in critical condition
A MAN has been charged after an incident in Cardigan on Wednesday, January 15.
Police were called to an address in Y Ferwig, Cardigan, shortly before 10:15pm following a report of concerns for the welfare of an infant.
A young child was immediately taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.
Rhydian Jamieson, 27, from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, has been charged with attempted murder.
Jamieson has been remanded into custody and is set to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 20).
Investigators have expressed gratitude for the support of the community while enquiries continue.
Crime
Air ambulance called to Parc Prison as inmate suffers ‘severe medical episode’
THE TROUBLED HMP Parc prison in Bridgend faced yet another incident today (January 18), with an air ambulance called to respond to a medical emergency involving an inmate suffering from psychosis.
According to the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, the incident unfolded during a visitation session when the inmate, reportedly diagnosed with psychosis, experienced a severe panic attack that left him struggling to breathe. Despite prior warnings from medical professionals about his condition, it is alleged that neither G4S, the private firm managing Parc, nor Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, acted to ensure the prisoner received the treatment he urgently needed.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with children and visitors visibly upset. Reports suggest healthcare staff on-site intervened by administering a “salt shot” to alleviate the inmate’s breathing difficulties, but the situation escalated, leading to the inmate collapsing and requiring emergency evacuation to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for further assessment.
The inmate’s history reveals a troubling pattern of neglect. After a psychiatric assessment on December 13, 2024, he was diagnosed with psychosis and deemed unfit to plead during a court hearing on December 20. The court ordered his transfer to a mental health facility for treatment and anti-psychotic medication. However, as of today, the transfer had not been carried out, leaving the individual untreated for over three months while on remand.
The HMP Prisons Justice Group claims that G4S initially attempted to attribute today’s episode to drug use, a claim that has since been refuted. “When the salt shot was administered, his breathing improved, which wouldn’t have happened if it was drug-related,” the group stated. They accused G4S of using this defense to divert attention from what they describe as systemic neglect.
Campaigners are now calling for urgent reforms to prevent further incidents at Parc Prison. The facility has been plagued by controversy, with ongoing allegations of corruption, inadequate healthcare, and rising violence. Last year alone, assaults on staff increased by 109%, and the prison recorded 17 deaths within 11 months.
The inmate involved in today’s incident is reportedly undergoing psychological assessment at the Heath Hospital, with calls for his immediate sectioning to secure the treatment he needs. Critics argue that the prison’s failure to act on prior court orders highlights the ongoing crisis at Parc.
Campaigners insist that the incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reform at the privately-run facility.
This latest incident raises questions about the prison’s capacity to manage vulnerable inmates and provides further evidence of the deteriorating conditions at Parc Prison, which continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The Wales Air Ambulance has confirmed attendance.
Both Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and G4S has been asked to comment.
Community
Fire crews join St Davids Cathedral on collaborative training day
CREWS from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service joined staff at St Davids Cathedral on Thursday for a collaborative training day, blending skills and expertise in a unique historic setting.
The fire service conducted a series of exercises, including a dramatic rescue simulation, where they practiced retrieving a ‘body’ from the cathedral tower. The exercise demonstrated the precision and teamwork required for emergency scenarios, particularly in complex environments like heritage buildings.
Such training is essential due to the unique challenges posed by historic landmarks. St Davids Cathedral, with its ancient architecture and narrow stairways, presents potential obstacles in emergency situations. Fire crews must be prepared to navigate these complexities to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and the preservation of the structure itself.
Additionally, the presence of large numbers of visitors during peak periods increases the need for effective response strategies. Collaboration between the cathedral’s staff and emergency services ensures everyone is prepared to act swiftly and efficiently in the event of a fire or medical emergency.
A spokesperson for St Davids Cathedral said: “It was great to have the fire crews join us – their training exercises added an exciting and valuable dimension to our day. Their work highlights the importance of being prepared for any eventuality.”
The fire service also benefited from the day, as training in real-world settings like St Davids Cathedral helps refine their approach to tackling emergencies in historic and culturally significant buildings.
Photo caption: Rescue simulation: Fire crews conducted a ‘body’ rescue from the tower during a joint training day (Pic: St Davids Cathedral).
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