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Regional Cumbria

It's official: Ben Ryder's Cumbria's new top fire boss Ben Ryder confirmed as Cumbria's new chief fire officer after panel backs him unanimously

By Kris WM, editor 3 min read From GOV.UK
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Ben Ryder confirmed as Cumbria's new chief fire officer after panel backs him unanimously
Photo: Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service

Ben Ryder's got the job for keeps. The panel all backed him on Tuesday and commissioner David Allen has confirmed him as Cumbria's chief fire officer.

This one's for everybody in Cumbria, because it's about who's running the fire service that turns out for us, from Workington and Whitehaven to Maryport and Egremont.

Ben Ryder's been confirmed as chief fire officer. He's been doing the job temporarily since June, and commissioner David Allen picked him as his preferred candidate after interviews on 16 October.

There's a proper process for this. The Police, Fire and Crime Panel held a hearing on Tuesday 3 November and said yes, and the commissioner says they "unanimously approved" him.

He came to Cumbria from Merseyside Fire and Rescue in summer 2025 as assistant chief. Before that he was in the RAF's fire and rescue service, joined Merseyside in 2001 and worked his way up, and in 2020/21 he led the biggest building project that service has ever done, a new training centre and national resilience centre.

David Allen said: "Ben is a strong leader and will help take Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service from strength-to-strength."

Ben Ryder said: "I am committed to Cumbria, myself and my family are settled in this beautiful county and I'm determined to lead the outstanding service that it deserves."

And Councillor Tim Pickstone, who chairs the panel, said: "We are very lucky to have attracted such an experienced firefighter and fire service leader to our area."

So what can you do? The full announcement's on the fire service's news page. Their safety pages also tell you how to ask for a free home safety visit. And with it being Bonfire Night tonight, have a look at their bonfire and firework advice before you go out.

Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen has confirmed Ben Ryder as Chief Fire Officer of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, after the Police, Fire and Crime Panel unanimously backed him at a hearing on 3 November.

This is for everyone in Cumbria who relies on the county's fire and rescue service, including the crews at stations from Workington and Whitehaven to Maryport and Egremont.

Ben Ryder has been confirmed as the new Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service. He had been doing the job on a temporary basis since June 2026 and was named the preferred candidate by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen after interviews on Friday 16 October.

Under the statutory process, the Police, Fire and Crime Panel held a confirmation hearing on Tuesday 3 November and recommended the appointment be confirmed. The commissioner said the panel had "unanimously approved" him.

Mr Ryder joined Cumbria from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in summer 2025 as Assistant Chief Fire Officer. He previously served in the Royal Air Force Fire & Rescue Service before joining Merseyside in 2001, and in 2020/21 led that service's largest capital project, a new training and development centre and national resilience centre of excellence.

David Allen said: "Ben is a strong leader and will help take Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service from strength-to-strength."

Ben Ryder said: "I am committed to Cumbria, myself and my family are settled in this beautiful county and I'm determined to lead the outstanding service that it deserves."

Councillor Tim Pickstone, who chairs the panel, said: "We are very lucky to have attracted such an experienced firefighter and fire service leader to our area."

What you can do: the service's news page carries the full announcement, and its safety pages explain how to ask for a free home safety visit. With Bonfire Night tonight, the service's firework and bonfire safety guidance is worth a look before you head out.