A remarkable political and community legacy spanning the entire history of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is being celebrated as Councillor Matthew (Matt) Crowley reflects on following in the footsteps of his late father, Councillor Collin J. Crowley.
Cllr Collin J. Crowley (left) and Cllr Matt Crowley (right).
Together, father and son have achieved a unique milestone, having collectively served alongside every Chief Fire Officer in the history of the modern Service.
The Crowley family's connection with MAWWFRS began before the organisation was formally established. Cllr Collin J. Crowley served on the Shadow Fire Authority in 1995 before being officially appointed to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (MAWWFRA) following local government reorganisation in May 1996, representing Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
A highly respected member of the Authority, Cllr Collin J. Crowley served until his passing in June 2013. Between 2007 and 2009, he became the first Labour member to be unanimously elected as both Vice Chair and Chair of the Authority. Combined with his service on West Glamorgan County Council and his role as Director of the Wales Community Fire Safety Trust, he dedicated 39 years to supporting the Fire and Rescue Service.
Inspired by his father's commitment to public service, Cllr Matt Crowley joined the Fire Authority in June 2017 and continues to serve today.
Although they did not serve on the Authority at the same time, their combined service spans the entire history of MAWWFRS. Both father and son have chaired key committees within the Authority, including the Performance, Audit and Scrutiny Committee and the Resources Management Committee, Cllr Matt Crowley also served as Leader of the Labour Political Members Group.
Cllr Collin J. Crowley (centre, front row) as MAWWFRA Chair.
Speaking about the family's unique connection to the Service, Cllr Matt Crowley said:
"My father worked with the very first Chief Fire Officer, Ronnie King, and today I work alongside our current Chief Fire Officer, Craig Flannery.”
For both father and son, one of the most rewarding aspects of serving on the Fire Authority has been its collaborative nature, bringing together elected members from six local authorities and a range of political backgrounds with a shared commitment to public safety.
Cllr Matt Crowley added:
"Council chambers can often be politically divided, but the Fire Authority is different. Members come together with a common purpose, protecting our communities and saving lives.
I saw the positive impact that serving on the Authority had on my father, and I continue to experience that same spirit of cooperation today. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals, from firefighters on the frontline to senior officers leading the Service."
The Crowley family's story reflects a period of significant change and progress for MAWWFRS. Since its formation in 1996, the Service has evolved to meet new and emerging risks, from strengthening community safety initiatives and emergency response capabilities to addressing challenges such as climate-driven wildfires and increasing collaboration with partner agencies.
Speaking on the Crowley family’s contribution to MAWWFRA, Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery said:
"The Crowley family's connection to MAWWFRA is truly remarkable and reflects the dedication, commitment and public service that have helped shape our organisation over the past three decades. Cllr Collin J. Crowley made an enduring contribution to the Authority, and it is fitting to see that legacy continue through Cllr Matt Crowley. Together, their service spans the entire history of our modern Fire and Rescue Service, a unique achievement that deserves recognition and celebration.
As we celebrate the Service's 30th anniversary and prepare for significant changes to Fire and Rescue Service governance in Wales, it is important to recognise those who have helped guide us to this point. The Crowley family’s contribution forms an important part of our history and provides a strong foundation as we look ahead to the next chapter of serving and protecting the communities of Mid and West Wales."
As the Service marks its 30th anniversary, it continues to build for the future while remaining firmly rooted in the dedication and commitment of those who have shaped its history.
With Welsh Government reforms to the governance and funding of Fire and Rescue Services in Wales scheduled to come into effect in May 2027, the Authority now looks ahead to a new chapter. The enduring contribution of families such as the Crowleys serves as a reminder of the public service, commitment and leadership that have underpinned the organisation throughout its history.
30 Years of MAWWFRS
Since its formation in 1996, MAWWFRS has grown into one of the UK’s largest fire and rescue organisations, serving a wide and varied landscape, from rural villages and coastal towns to busy urban cities.
Throughout this time, our teams have responded to thousands of emergencies, championed fire safety and prevention and continually adapted to new challenges with professionalism and resilience.