Ben Ryder Confirmed as Permanent Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria

Ben Ryder has been confirmed as the permanent chief fire officer of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service following unanimous approval by a county panel.

The appointment was confirmed after a statutory hearing held on 3 November 2026 by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Panel. Ryder had been serving as temporary chief fire officer since June, following the departure of his predecessor. Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, had selected him as the preferred candidate after interviews conducted on 16 October. The panel subsequently supported the recommendation unanimously.

Ryder joined Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service in summer 2025 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, where he had developed his career after initially serving in the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service. He entered the Merseyside service in 2001 and progressed through its ranks, gaining experience in operational leadership and major incident command over the following years. His appointment brings more than two decades of professional firefighting and management experience to the county’s senior leadership.

Before taking on the temporary chief officer position, Ryder served as assistant chief fire officer in Cumbria. His previous responsibilities included leading a major capital development project for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service during 2020 and 2021. The project involved creating a new training and development centre alongside a national resilience centre of excellence. Commissioner David Allen also highlighted Ryder’s experience commanding some of the most significant operational incidents in recent years.

Commissioner Allen welcomed the panel’s decision, describing the unanimous approval as an important endorsement of the appointment. He said Ryder had demonstrated strong leadership and expressed confidence that he would help the service continue developing its capabilities. Allen also said he looked forward to working with the new chief officer and supporting the organisation in its responsibility to provide an effective service to the public across Cumbria.

Ryder said becoming chief fire officer was a genuine privilege and thanked those who had supported him throughout his career. He also expressed his commitment to the county, confirming that he and his family had settled in Cumbria. He said he intended to lead the service while continuing to work with its teams to strengthen public trust and confidence, with local communities remaining central to its work.

Councillor Tim Pickstone, chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, also welcomed the appointment. He said the panel was pleased to support the commissioner’s recommendation and described Ryder as an experienced firefighter and fire service leader. Pickstone added that the panel looked forward to working with him as he continued leading the development of fire and rescue services in the county.

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