ACFO Ben Ryder stands in as Temporary Chief Fire Officer

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s (CFRS) Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Ben Ryder, will stand in as Temporary Chief Fire Officer (CFO), following Paul Hancock stepping down from the role.

Ben joined Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service in 2001 having previously served in the Royal Air Force Fire & Rescue Service. He served across several stations as a firefighter, crew and watch manager before being promoted to station manager in 2008. 

He was promoted to group manager in 2014 serving as the district commander for Liverpool before moving onto a role in prevention. In 2020/21 Ben led the largest capital project Merseyside has ever undertaken developing a new training and development centre and national resilience centre of excellence. Ben was then promoted to Area Manager Response; he has extensive operational experience commanding some of the most high-profile major incidents in recent memory. 

Since joining CFRS in July 2025, Ben has evidenced his personal and professional commitment to Cumbria by picking up the Chair of the Local Resilience Forum and is looking forward to his family completing the move to Penrith and children starting their new schools in September.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, leads on the recruitment process for the Chief Fire Officer. He said: 

“Since joining us here in Cumbria, Ben has proven himself as a strong and capable leader who understands the needs of the Service, staff and residents. 

“He will be leading the organisation to ensure that the Service continues to have a strong and stable leadership with support from the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), myself and my Office until we officially appoint a permanent Chief Fire Officer.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is a fantastic organisation, and I constantly see the dedication and passion of all staff – their teamwork is what has driven the organisation to succeed and I know that they will continue to improve and achieve. 

“I will provide updates to staff and the public around the Chief Fire Officer recruitment in due course.”

Temporary Chief Fire Officer, Ben Ryder, said: 

“It’s a real privilege to lead the service and I’m honoured to step into the role of Chief Fire Officer.”

“Since joining the service, I’ve seen just how passionate our people and teams are about supporting each other in making the community of Cumbria safe and resilient for residents’ businesses and visitors.” 

“I look forward to working with the Commissioner and his office, our partners, and most importantly supporting all of our staff and volunteers to ensure Cumbria and Rescue Service deliver the best service possible.”