Emergency service staff and officers who helped with the tragic Llangammarch Wells house fire in October 2017 have been recognised in a commendation ceremony.

Police officers, fire fighters and army officers are among those who were recognised at the ceremony at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters yesterday evening for their bravery, professionalism and commitment.

A horrific fire engulfed the house at Pointyn Farm, Llangammarch Wells, in the early hours of Monday, October 30, killing 68-year-old David Cuthbertson along with five of his children - Just Raine, 11, Reef Raine, ten, Misty Raine, nine, Patch Raine, six, and Gypsy Raine, four.

Three of his children survived after they escaped the blaze and ran to a neighbour’s house where they raised the alarm.

The police officers and fire service were faced with “extremely challenging” conditions at the scene of the fire in the days and weeks following the incident.

At the ceremony, Dyfed-Powys Police officers were recognised as well as police officers and staff from Gwent and south Wales. Also recognised were members of the fire service, the army, HM Coroner, Home Office Pathologist, UKDVI, Powys County Council and Cellmark Forensics - all had representatives at the ceremony.

Chief constable Mark Collins said: “The officers and staff being awarded here today with certificates of commendation have displayed bravery, professionalism and a commitment to duty during a difficult and challenging incident when five children and their father tragically lost their lives following a fire at their home in Llangammarch Wells, Powys.

"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to all the award recipients for the courage shown and their achievements are a reminder to us all of the level of work, effort and support provided during and following this tragic incident. 

“Additionally, I am very aware of the tremendous support given by both family and friends and I recognise the important part that they play in the lives of today’s recipients to enable them to continue to provide a first class service to the community. In traumatic incidents such as this, their support can make all the difference.

“I know the family who lost their loved ones in such distressing circumstances on this occasion were extremely grateful for the efforts of all those involved, and have expressed it publicly. They were always the number one priority for everyone being presented with a certificate of commendation this evening.”

A full list of people who were commended at the ceremony can be seen on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.