After over 60 years combined service, two of Mid and West Wales Fire Brigades most senior officers are retiring.

Deputy western area commander David Olyott and assistant divisional officer David Bush have both served in a variety of roles all over West Wales during their careers.

Both have been involved in major incidents, including the 1983 oil storage tank fire at the Amoco refinery and the 1994 fire at Texaco.

David Olyott, aged 53, joined the Pembrokeshire Fire Brigade in 1971 as a retained firefighter, going on to become a full-time firefighter. From there he rose through the ranks to become leading firefighter, sub officer, station officer, assistant divisional officer, and divisional officer. He retires as deputy western area commander. During his career he served at stations in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock and Llanelli. He is a native of Pembrokeshire and lives in Pembroke Dock with his wife Ann.

David Bush, aged 54, enrolled in the Cardigan and Carmarthenshire Fire Brigade in 1965. He went on to serve with the Dyfed Fire Brigade when it was amalgamated in 1974, serving as firefighter, leading firefighter, and sub officer throughout Carmarthenshire. He then became station officer at Haverfordwest and later assistant divisional officer in charge of safety in the Carmarthenshire area. When Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade was formed, he became assistant divisional officer at Haverfordwest, and he retires having served for almost 37 years. He lives in Llangunnor, Carmarthen, with his wife Pat.

David Olyott will be replaced by divisional officer Harry Webber of Haverfordwest, who is currently area safety officer.

David Bush will be replaced by assistant divisional officer David John, who is in charge of training for the western area and also lives in Haverfordwest.

CAPTION

Pictured on their retirement are (left) David Bush and (right) David Olyott, with Chief Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade, Ronnie King. PICTURE: Western Telegraph.