Newtown firefighter celebrates 30th anniversary

A firefighter whose career began after moving to Newtown as a teenager is celebrating 30 years of service with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Station Manager Paul Armes has reached the milestone in the same year that MAWWFRS marks its own 30th anniversary, having been formed in 1996.

Paul's connection with the fire service started after he and his family relocated from Portsmouth to Newtown when he was 16, living opposite the town's fire station. Inspired by what he saw, he decided to pursue a career in the service and began recruit training in 1996.

After completing his training, he joined the newly formed MAWWFRS as an On Call Firefighter. Over the next three decades, he progressed through the ranks, becoming Crew Manager in 2003 before moving into a Wholetime Firefighter role at Aberystwyth Fire Station in 2017.

"The skills and experience I'd gained through my role as an On Call Firefighter certainly helped me adapt to becoming a Wholetime Firefighter," Paul said.

"There was a much greater structure to daily life on station, and the checks carried out on vehicles and equipment were far more detailed."

In 2019, Paul returned to Newtown Fire Station as Station Liaison Officer while also joining the service's Business Fire Safety department, working with businesses across the area to help them meet fire safety legislation and guidance.

He has since taken on greater responsibility and, in October 2025, was appointed Temporary Station Manager at Welshpool Fire Station, overseeing day to day operations while supporting the training and development of firefighters.

During his career, Paul has attended a wide range of major incidents, including the Belgrave House Hotel fire in Aberystwyth in 2018, large barn fires, serious road traffic collisions and a national deployment to London with the High Volume Pump.

Looking back over three decades, Paul said advances in technology have transformed the role of firefighters.

"While we still use much of the same equipment today as we did when I first joined the Service, advances in technology have significantly enhanced the role," he said.

"The equipment we use at road traffic collisions has evolved to keep pace with developments in modern vehicles, while the introduction of thermal imaging cameras has greatly improved our ability to respond to fires."

Paul also encouraged others to consider becoming an On Call Firefighter, while acknowledging the commitment involved.

"It's a significant commitment, not just for the individual but also for their family. However, the Fire and Rescue Service really is one big family.

"It's certainly not a nine to five role. From when you might be called to an incident to the type of incident you attend, no two days are ever the same.

"During my career, I've seen a notable shift in the types of incidents we attend, with fewer fires but an increase in medical related calls.

"Overall, it's an incredibly rewarding role that offers opportunities for personal development while allowing you to be part of a fantastic team."

MAWWFRS was established in 1996 and has grown into one of the UK's largest fire and rescue services, covering communities across rural mid Wales, coastal towns and urban centres. During the past 30 years, firefighters have responded to thousands of emergencies while expanding their work in fire prevention, business safety and community protection.