Tributes to respected Denbighshire paramedic Dermot

14.01.26

Tributes have been paid to a stalwart Denbighshire paramedic following his death aged 64.

Dermot O’Leary, an operations manager with the Welsh Ambulance Service based in Rhyl, passed away last week after a short illness.

The father-of-two, who had more than 20 years’ service, was a familiar figure in north Wales thanks to his staunch promotion of road safety and partnership working with other emergency services.

He is survived by his wife Cornelia, son Gregory and daughter Annabel.

Emma Wood, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Dermot was deeply passionate about his work, and his dedication to both patients and staff was truly exceptional.

“A highly skilled paramedic, he cared for literally thousands of patients across north Wales over many years, always doing so with warmth and compassion.

“Dermot was a much-respected member of our team who worked closely with partner organisations too.

“All of us at the Welsh Ambulance Service are profoundly saddened by the loss of this kind and considerate gentleman.

“Thank you, Dermot, for everything you gave to WAST – you will be sorely missed.”

Dermot began his ambulance career with the Essex Ambulance Service before joining the Welsh Ambulance Service in 2001 as an emergency medical technician.

He qualified as a paramedic in 2003, was appointed paramedic supervisor in 2006, became a clinical team leader in 2013 and a duty operations manager in 2020.

Prior to this death, Dermot, who lived in Llandudno, was also the acting locality manager in Conwy and Denbighshire.

Alongside his role, he dedicated significant time to educating the public about road safety and worked with colleagues from other blue light services to deliver the hard-hitting Deadly Mates show to schools and colleges across north Wales.

In 2023, he also arranged a visit for Ukrainian refugees to Rhyl Ambulance Station to support them following their displacement.

Dermot had 26 years’ service with the Territorial Army Welch Fusiliers, a part of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

A respected trade union representative, he also delivered major incident training to ambulance staff and colleagues from other emergency services.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM of North Wales Police said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Dermot O'Leary, a dedicated paramedic whose unwavering commitment to saving lives extended far beyond his clinical role.

“Dermot worked closely with officers on road safety initiatives such as Olivia's Story and Deadly Mates, sharing his expertise, compassion and lived experience to help prevent serious injury and loss of life on our roads.

“His professionalism and calm presence made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“Through joint road safety campaigns, educational events and frontline collaboration, Dermot played a vital role in protecting our communities and promoting safer roads for all – his contribution will not be forgotten.

“On behalf of North Wales Police, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dermot's family, friends and colleagues at the Welsh Ambulance Service at this incredibly difficult time.

“He will be remembered with respect, gratitude and admiration.”

Dawn Docx, Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “It was with the greatest sadness that we were informed of Dermot’s death.

“I know that colleagues across the service have worked closely with Dermot over a number of years, and his commitment to working in partnership and protecting our communities made a lasting impression on so many.

“As a service, we’d like to send our deepest condolences to Dermot's family, friends and those who worked with him at the Welsh Ambulance Service.

“We are thinking of you all.”