Branch chair reflects on his highlights of 2025

17 December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, branch chair Delme Rees has reflected on some of the highlights of the year – and the members at the centre of them.

His three standout moments include the Federation elections at the start of the year, the inspirational National Police Bravery Awards, and the moving National Police Memorial Day.

The first highlight came with the branch elections in January.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation members voted in 11 new reps.

Drawn from all geographical areas of the Force, they included PCs, sergeants, and inspectors, operating in response, CID, custody, neighbourhood policing, and firearms.

The new reps took their seats for their first meeting at the start of March alongside 11 returning reps to form the branch council.

They were joined at the meeting by the then Chief Constable, Dr Richard Lewis, who welcomed the reps for their three-year term.

 

Branch chair Delme Rees

 

Delme said that although being a Federation rep can be challenging, it’s a hugely rewarding role.

He said: “Workplace reps carry out their Federation role in a voluntary capacity, fitting in their Federation work around their policing duties.

“The Federation plays a critical role in terms of the support it offers to its members, but also in supporting Force efficiency and effectiveness. Without the workplace reps, so much of this vital work would just not be possible.”

Delme was also re-elected as branch chair, and set out his priorities for the coming term.

Continuity

These included building resilience and experience in the branch’s leadership, ensuring continuity in the face of change, and to ensure the branch was in the best possible position to represent its members.

He said: “Circumstances often change quickly and can impact on the board’s ability to deliver the best service and

representation to the members we support, and this is something I will focus on.”

The second highlight was the Police Bravery Awards, which were held in London in July.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation was represented by PC Jonathan Tatam.

Jonathan was nominated for his exceptional work at the scene of a serious road traffic collision in the summer of 2024, where he rescued a man whose leg was trapped inside a burning car.

He attended the awards with his mum, Rosanne.

They enjoyed a special Downing Street reception hosted by the then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who thanked the nominees for their bravery and professionalism.

Awards ceremony

Ms Cooper was joined at the awards ceremony by Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson OBE, and Tiff Lynch, the Police Federation of England and Wales chair. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer congratulated the nominees on their achievements via a video message.

Jonathan said: “It was a very special day, ended by a brilliant awards ceremony.

“It was an amazing feeling to be among so many other inspirational police officers and share our stories and nominations with each other.

“For everyone to be able to take a pause from our busy work lives and receive some appreciation was genuinely lovely, and I think you could feel that in the atmosphere.

“As we always say, we were simply doing our jobs, but there’s no doubt we do take risks and push ourselves every day, so the recognition was very much welcomed and I feel lucky to have been treated to such a superb day, from start to finish.”

Jonathan was part of the Region 7 category on the night, which was won by

officers at South Wales Police.

Delme accompanied Jonathan to the event.

Recognised

He said: “As the Bravery Awards come and go for another year, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all our members for all the unbelievable work they do for our profession day in, day out. You all deserve to be recognised for everything you do.”

Delme and branch secretary Ceris Davies represented Dyfed Powys Police Federation at the National Police Memorial Day in September, the third of his highlights.

They were joined at the service at Coventry Cathedral by Chief Constable Ifan Charles.

The day brought together the family, friends and loved ones of officers who have died in the line of duty, as well as serving and retired officers of all ranks, politicians, civic and faith leaders, and members of the public to pay their respects. In all, more than 1,000 people attended.

And Delme had the honour of serving as the Force’s standard bearer.

He said: “It’s one of the most important dates on the police calendar.

“Life is busy, policing is even busier, so it’s important that there is such a day that allows us to stop and remember those who lost their lives while serving, allowing forces and colleagues to come together outside of a mutual aid deployment.

“It’s vital that we continue to remember the fallen officers and support their families and their loved ones. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

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