News
Firefighter’s dismissal marks turning point for Mid and West Wales Fire Service

IN a significant development that echoes through the corridors of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), Watch Manager Phil Irving of Haverfordwest Fire Station has been officially dismissed.
This decision, confirmed independently by six serving fire officers, follows a slew of bullying allegations that surfaced in 2021, fundamentally shaking the community’s trust in its firefighters.
The Herald’s investigation in 2021 uncovered a culture of fear and bullying at then Haverfordwest Fire Station, with numerous staff voicing their distress and frustration under the shadow of Irving’s intimidating presence.
The Herald confirmed that incidents of bullying led to a large number of requests for transfers away from Irving. Staff welfare concerns were not addressed, even when members of staff’s mental health and wellbeing were seriously affected.
Following these revelations, a comprehensive cultural review was launched, aiming to diagnose and remedy the toxic behaviours eroding the core values of the fire service.
A subsequent report, completed by Opinion Research Services in August 2023 paints a stark picture of the internal issues plaguing MAWWFRS. Nearly a third of the service’s employees are considering departure within the next five years, with reasons ranging from dissatisfaction with the work-life balance to disillusionment with the service’s internal culture. The report specifically pinpoints bullying as a persistent issue, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
The audit reveals that despite some improvements in job satisfaction since 2014, significant challenges remain, notably in management practices and the treatment of staff. The report criticizes a lack of transparent and supportive leadership and identifies a need for fostering a more inclusive and respectful working environment.

The Herald reached out to the service seeking confirmation of Irving’s dismissal and an explanation of the circumstances surrounding it. Our inquiry specifically asked whether the dismissal was connected to the allegations of bullying reported in 2021.
The response from MAWWFRS was guarded, citing confidentiality and data protection obligations, “Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is unable to comment on the points raised in your email. Additionally, as you will appreciate, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service owes duties of confidentiality under data protection legislation to all its personnel which means that it would not be appropriate to respond to the specific questions you have asked either.”
Highly respected retired firefighter Gerwyn Howells, who served from 1974 until 2019 and continued as a member of the The Colour Party (Ceremonial detachment) until 2023, shared his experiences.
My initial complaints about Irving back in 2021 were not handled with the professionalism I expected. Senior managers need to be held accountable for how they protected him. Despite being a whistleblower, the complainant somehow discovered I had reported the matter, likely because the investigators were close to Irving. It’s astonishing that he was found not culpable at the time and allowed to continue his duties unchanged. He was nicknamed ‘Teflon’ because allegations never seemed to stick to him. Several firefighters even requested transfers away from the Haverfordwest station to avoid working under him.”
The news of the termination of Irving’s contact as a fire fighter has been met with a mixed response from the community and within the fire service itself. Many see it as a long-overdue step towards rectifying the wrongs of the past and rebuilding trust. However, others remain sceptical about the depth and permanence of change, reflecting a pervasive wariness of the service’s commitment to genuine reform.
The cultural audit culminates in a set of recommendations aimed at overhauling the service’s internal culture. These include the implementation of more robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing bullying, enhanced training programs focused on diversity and inclusion, and a strategic overhaul of leadership practices to ensure transparency and accountability.
The dismissal of Watch Manager Phil Irving should not be viewed as the closure of an unpleasant chapter, but as an impetus for profound and enduring change within the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. It is an opportunity to rebuild not just a workplace, but a vital public service on the principles of respect, integrity, and trust.
Charity
Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.
Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.
Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.
Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”
Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”
The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
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