Fire service thanks Kidwelly businesses for support in releasing staff as on-call firefighters

Letters of thanks from Chief Fire Officer, Roger Thomas along with ceremonial plaques were presented to the businesses by the crew from Kidwelly Fire Station on Tuesday (7 March)

The first stop was to IWEC Electrical Services of Glangwendraeth Farm, Kidwelly. Station Manager Sian Davies, SLO Emyr Davies and Watch Manager Matthew Cray presented the plaque and letter to Managing Director Mark Williams (pictured above) for enabling On-Call Firefighter Sophie Williams to leave work and attend any incidents at short notice.

Their second presentation of the day took them to Gwenllian Education Centre, Kidwelly where not one, but two employees are currently supported to leave their primary employment when their On-Call pagers are actuated.

Both Tim Church and Rhys Fitzgerald are employees of Reflect Education situated in the Gwenllian Education Centre, just two doors down from Kidwelly Station. The plaque and accompanying letter were presented to Centre Manager Leigh Hipkiss.

The final presentation led them to Gravells, Kidwelly, where Watch Manager Matthew Cray completes his day job. A letter of thanks was presented to both Matthew’s Manager, Kevin Evans, and Managing Director Jonathan Gravell.

Kevin accepted the letter on behalf of Managing Director Jonathan Gravell, as he was unable to attend on the day saying “it’s the little things like this that make your actions feel appreciated”.

The fire service also gave a special mention to Burns of Kidwelly, who previously supported the release of their employees from work duties for operational incidents.

Miod and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said that as Kidwelly is an On Call fire station in the heart of a bustling and vibrant community, it is vital that On-Call firefighters can attend operational incidents as quickly as they possibly can – therefore having businesses local to the station that can be accommodating to these demands is critical.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said: “The Service appreciates that this can have an impact at times however without the support of local businesses, we would be unable to provide a resilient response to our local community.

“If you are considering applying to become an On-Call firefighter but unsure of what it entails, why not pop along to Kidwelly fire station – Show and Tell Recruitment Day on Sunday, 12^th March between 11am – 4pm. There will be live demonstrations, recruitment information, refreshments, and an opportunity to meet and greet the staff -and of course a very warm welcome!”

(Lead image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)