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.
News
Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash
THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”
Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.
Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.
Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.
“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.
“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.
“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”
Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.
“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”
Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.
Community
Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange
RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.
The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.
Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”
The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.
Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”
The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.
Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”
Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.
Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.
News
Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477
A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).
Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.
Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.
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