Community

Carmarthenshire police officer honoured for heroic rescue from burning car

Published

5 months ago

July 11, 2025

A CARMARTHENSHIRE police officer who risked his life to save a man trapped in a burning car has been recognised for his extraordinary bravery.

PC Jonathan Tatam, 33, leapt into action following a serious road traffic collision between a car and a tractor near Cynwyl Elfed last summer. The crash left a man trapped inside a vehicle that caught fire moments after the impact.

Without hesitation, PC Tatam ran to retrieve a fire extinguisher from his patrol car and rushed back towards the blaze.

Despite the intense heat and risk of explosion, he fought the flames long enough to reach the man, whose leg was pinned beneath the dashboard.

With the fire re-igniting and time running out, he dragged the man free from the wreckage just seconds before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.

Speaking after receiving a bravery award at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards, PC Tatam said: “Watching the body-worn footage afterwards was quite surreal. It all happened so fast.

“I remember thinking, if I don’t do something now, this person is going to die. The man’s friends were pleading with us to help and I knew I couldn’t just stand by.

“It was incredibly hot, the car was close to a hedge and there was barely any room to manoeuvre. I was worried the fire would spread.”

Thanks to his quick thinking, PC Tatam was able to suppress the flames long enough for the trapped man to dislodge his leg.

“I thought if I could get the flames away from his legs, it might give him enough strength to free himself,” he said. “He was panicking and in pain, but the relief of the fire being off him must have helped.”

“About 30 seconds after we got him out, the whole car was ablaze. It doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened if we’d been any slower.”

Once the man was safe, PC Tatam and his colleague, PC Catrin Jones, administered first aid and cleared the scene to allow other emergency services through. He also helped carry medical equipment to the casualty from the air ambulance, which later flew the man to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with serious injuries including a broken femur and third-degree burns.

Reflecting on the incident, he said: “It didn’t really hit me until I got home that evening. I was grateful for the support from the force and my colleagues – especially Catrin, who was also outstanding on the day.”

PC Tatam, who only joined the police three years ago, added: “It’s lovely to be recognised so early on in my career. I never expected to be nominated, let alone win an award. I was just doing my job.”

“I’d always wanted to be a police officer and applied several times before finally getting in at 30. I joined to help others, but never expected something like this. I’m proud of the award – but even prouder that I was able to help save someone’s life.”

The bravery award, sponsored by Niche, was one of over 20 presented at the Dyfed-Powys Police Force Awards ceremony held at headquarters on Friday (July 4). PC Tatam has also been nominated for a national bravery award.

Brave officer: PC Jonathan Tatam was presented with a bravery award at police headquarters on Friday (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

14 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

15 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).