A PEMBROKESHIRE councillor has been elected to lead Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority over the next two municipal years.

At the Fire Authority’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 9, Cllr John Davies of Pembrokeshire was elected Chair and Cllr Matthew Crowley of Neath Port Talbot was elected Deputy Chair, following in his late father’s footsteps.

Councillor John Davies joined the Fire Authority in May 2022 and has served as Deputy Chair since 2023, he takes over from Cllr Gwynfor Thomas of Powys, who will continue as a Fire Authority Member. Cllr Davies has been in office at Pembrokeshire County Council since May 1999, working as Leader of the Council from 2004-2012. Cllr Davies previously led the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society as Chair of Board for 10 years and for his tenure and service, Cllr Davies was awarded an Honorary Life Vice-Presidency of the Society in 2022. He also completed two terms as a member of the S4C Authority and is a former High Sheriff of Dyfed.

Speaking on his election as Fire Authority Chair, Cllr John Davies said:

“It is a huge privilege to be elected Chair at a time of significant changes and challenges within the Fire and Rescue Service sector in Wales.

“I will endeavour, along with my fellow Fire Authority colleagues, to engage with all stakeholders, from the staff who shape the Service, to the members of the public we represent and protect. It is an honour to be associated with a Service that continues to effectively serve its communities at their hour of need.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response cover to a predominantly rural area of 4,500 square miles, comprising 58 Fire Stations and employing around 1,300 staff.