Ben Ryder appointed Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 07:04 · Archive

Ben Ryder has been appointed chief fire officer of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. The appointment was confirmed by Cumbria's police, fire and crime commissioner David Allen following a unanimous recommendation by the Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

Ryder began his career with the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service before joining Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in 2001, where he progressed through the ranks. He joined Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service from Merseyside in summer 2025 as assistant chief fire officer and became temporary chief fire officer in June 2026.

During 2020 and 2021, Ryder led Merseyside's largest capital project to date, developing a new training and development centre and a national resilience centre of excellence. He also brings extensive operational experience from managing major incidents.

David Allen said he was 'incredibly pleased' with the appointment and that Ryder 'is a strong leader and will help take Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service from strength to strength'. Councillor Tim Pickstone, chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, said the panel was 'very happy' to support the recommendation.

Ryder said it was 'a genuine privilege' to be named chief fire officer and that he was 'thankful to so many people who have supported' him throughout his career. He added that he and his family are 'settled' in Cumbria and that he is 'determined to lead the outstanding service that it deserves'. He said he looks forward to building on public trust and confidence in the service.

How it is being reported

• Ben Ryder appointed chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue ServiceBEN Ryder has been appointed as the new chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).Cumberland News · 6 Nov, 05:00
• Ben Ryder appointed chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue ServiceBEN Ryder has been appointed as the new chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).Whitehaven News · 6 Nov, 05:00
• Ben Ryder appointed chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue ServiceBEN Ryder has been appointed as the new chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).Westmorland Gazette · 6 Nov, 05:00
• Ben Ryder appointed chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue ServiceBEN Ryder has been appointed as the new chief fire officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).NW Evening Mail · 6 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Ben Ryder · Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service · David Allen · Police, Fire and Crime Panel · Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service · Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service · Tim Pickstone · Cumbria

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