Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall, confirms appointment of Rick Ogden as the next Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).

Mr. Ogden is the current Assistant Chief Fire Officer for CFRS was chosen as the preferred candidate by PFCC Peter McCall following interviews on the 13 June.

In line with the statutory guidelines, the Police, Fire and Crime Panel held a confirmatory hearing today (29 June) considering Mr. Ogden’s suitability for the role. Following the meeting, the Panel made their recommendation to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner that the appointment be confirmed. He will take on the role of Chief Fire Officer on a temporary basis of 12 months.

 Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “Rick joined us as Assistant Chief Fire Officer in early 2022 from London Fire Brigade and has brought a wealth of knowledge to the role.

“I look forward to working with Rick over the next twelve months to build on the good work of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service providing a safe and legal service for the residents of Cumbria.”

Speaking on the appointment, Rick Ogden, said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is an excellent organisation with dedicated and driven firefighters and staff and I look forward to working with them, and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, to continue to build the service that we deliver to the public.”

Bill McEwan, Chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel said: “The Panel unanimously agreed to recommend the appointment Mr. Ogden to the position of Chief Fire Officer for 12 months as it was satisfied, after robust scrutiny, with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s recruitment process and the professional competence of Mr. Ogden.

“The Panel was impressed with Mr. Ogden’s wealth of experience within the Fire and Rescue service, and his proposed vision for the future – wishing him success in his new role.’