Ben Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria fire chief
Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 14:29 · Archive
Ben Ryder has been named preferred candidate for Cumbria Chief Fire Officer by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Ben Ryder has been named as the preferred candidate for Cumbria Chief Fire Officer by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen. The selection followed a formal process led by an appointments panel with expertise in fire and rescue services and chaired by Mr Allen. The panel included a representative from the National Fire Chief's Council and an independent member with relevant service knowledge.
Ryder joined Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in summer 2025 as Assistant Chief Fire Officer and took on the role of Temporary Chief Fire Officer in June. He previously served in the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service before joining Merseyside in 2001 and rising through the ranks.
At Merseyside, he led the service's largest-ever capital project in 2020/21, developing a new training and development centre and a national resilience centre of excellence. He has extensive operational experience commanding high-profile major incidents.
Mr Allen said: 'Since joining CFRS, Ben has evidenced his personal and professional commitment to Cumbria by picking up the Chair of the Local Resilience Forum and relocating with his young family to Penrith.'
Mr Allen added: 'He will, I am certain, ensure that Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service go from strength to strength.' A confirmatory hearing will be held by the Police, Fire and Crime Panel on Tuesday, 3 November.
How it is being reported
- Ben Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria's chief fire officerBen Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria Chief Fire Officer by Commissioner David Allen, ahead of a Police, Fire and Crime Panel hearing November 3.Whitehaven News · 20 Oct, 13:54
- Ben Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria's chief fire officerBen Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria Chief Fire Officer by Commissioner David Allen, ahead of a Police, Fire and Crime Panel hearing November 3.NW Evening Mail · 20 Oct, 13:54
- Ben Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria's chief fire officerBen Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria Chief Fire Officer by Commissioner David Allen, ahead of a Police, Fire and Crime Panel hearing November 3.Westmorland Gazette · 20 Oct, 13:54
- Ben Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria's chief fire officerBen Ryder named preferred candidate for Cumbria Chief Fire Officer by Commissioner David Allen, ahead of a Police, Fire and Crime Panel hearing November 3.Cumberland News · 20 Oct, 13:54
In this story: Ben Ryder · David Allen · Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service · Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service · Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service · National Fire Chief's Council · Cumbria · Penrith
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