New fire chief appointed to lead service

A new chief has been appointed to lead a fire and rescue service.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) announced Ben Ryder - who has served in the position in a temporary role since June - as its chief fire officer following interviews in October.

Ryder joined CRFS in summer 2025 as assistant chief fire officer from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Cumbria's police, fire and crime commissioner (PCC) David Allen described Ryder as having extensive experience with "some of the most high-profile major incidents in recent memory" who will "lead the service from strength to strength".

HM Inspectorate rated CFRS good in five areas and requiring improvement in six in 2025.

Areas that need to be improved include preventing fires, making best use of resources, promoting the right values and culture and getting people with the right skills, ensuring fairness and promoting diversity.

Allen described Ryder as a "strong leader" while councillor Tim Pickstone, chair of the police, fire and crime panel, said Cumbria was "very lucky to have attracted such an experienced firefighter and fire service leader to our area".

Ryder, who previously served in the Royal Air Force Fire & Rescue Service before joining Merseyside in 2001, said it was a "genuine privilege" to be given the role.

"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," he said.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to work with our teams to build on the trust and confidence the public have in us and ensure our communities remain at the heart of the service."

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