Dyfed-Powys Police is highlighting National Emergency Services Day (September 9) by recognising the outstanding bravery of two Carmarthenshire-based response officers.

PC Taylor Rees and PC Guto Dafydd have been awarded bronze bravery medals after saving a sleeping woman from a house engulfed with flames.

In the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, police received an incomplete 999-call in which the caller stated “Mansel Street. Mansel Street Carmarthen. You need to get there now” before clearing the line.

Moments later, a second call was received by a different caller stating they had concerns for the welfare of an individual at a property in Mansel Street.

Officers immediately blue-lighted to the scene where they encountered a fire rapidly spreading across the first floor of the residential property.

The individual subject to the welfare concern presented himself safely outside the property.

Concerned that others may still be stuck inside, PC Rees and PC Dafydd entered the burning building without hesitation.

Inside, the officers found and alerted a young female who was asleep in bed while the bedroom next door was completely consumed by the fiery blaze.

With the young woman safely removed from the property, PC Rees tried to extinguish the fire but struggled to breathe and realised that the volume of smoke was too much to tackle alone.

Moments after all occupants had been accounted for, both upstairs bedroom windows exploded from the scorching heat, causing shards of glass to rain on the street below.

The fire service arrived at the scene to bring the blaze under control and soon extinguished the fire. A man was arrested and later convicted of committing arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered.

Both officers suffered the effects of smoke inhalation and burns and received medical treatment before remaining on duty to complete their shift.

PC Rees and PC Dafydd received bronze bravery medals from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, which were presented by Chief Constable Ifan Charles at Police Headquarters.

CC Charles also presented the officers with a Chief Constable’s commendation for their brave actions.

PC Taylor Rees and PC Guto Dafydd have been awarded bronze bravery medals after saving a sleeping woman from a house engulfed with flames.
PC Taylor Rees and PC Guto Dafydd have been awarded bronze bravery medals after saving a sleeping woman from a house engulfed with flames. (DPP)

CC Ifan Charles said: “PC Taylor Rees and PC Guto Dafydd showed great courage, professionalism and compassion in difficult circumstances. Their willingness to act quickly and put the needs of others first helped ensure the safety and wellbeing of a vulnerable member of the public.

“Their actions are a reminder of the outstanding work carried out by officers across our force every day. I am very proud of both officers and pleased to see their commitment and dedication recognised through these awards and commendations.”

PC Guto Dafydd said: “Attending this incident within two months of completing my classroom training was a real eye-opener. We are prepared to deal with all sorts of scenarios in our training, but you still never truly know what you will be faced with until you’re there at scene. I am grateful to PC Rees, my tutor, for leading on this incident which, thankfully, came to a safe conclusion.”

PC Taylor Rees said: “Our whole focus was on protecting the life of those in the property and making sure everyone was safely removed from the house before the situation could escalate further.

“When faced with unexpected circumstances, I think your instincts just kick in, and you do what you need to do to keep everyone safe. It was a real honour to be recognised alongside PC Dafydd following this incident.”