New deputy fire chief appointed

The Chairman of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Eurfyl Evans, has announced the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Paul Bates (left), 46, currently Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Risk, was appointed as Deputy Chief by an Appointments Committee of the Fire Authority and will take up his new post on March 1.

The current post holder, Phil Coleman, will be retiring at the end of February after nearly 32 years service.

Councillor Eurfyl Evans, Chairman of Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, said: "I am very pleased with this appointment.

"Paul Bates has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities whilst working with the Fire Authority, and I have no doubt that he will continue to provide excellent advice and guidance to Members as Deputy Chief Fire Officer".

Paul Bates said: "I am obviously delighted and extremely proud to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

"I would like to thank Members of the Authority for the confidence they have shown in me, and I look forward to the many challenges and opportunities my new role will offer."

Mr Bates first joined the Fire Service as a Retained Firefighter in Lincolnshire in 1983. He joined Powys Fire Service in 1992, which was later amalgamated into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 1996.