Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen has selected Paul Hancock as the preferred candidate to take on the role of Chief Fire Officer
The Chief Fire Officer selection process is conducted by a panel with a knowledge of fire and rescue services and an understanding of the service needs of Cumbria. The Appointments Panel was chaired by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, with support from representatives from across the county, nationwide and from another county’s fire services.
Commissioner David Allen, said: “I am putting forward Paul Hancock as my preferred candidate for Chief Fire Officer.
“Paul has been the Fire Service lead for Cumbria Fire and Rescue since August last year and was Chief Fire Officer of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service from 2009-2018 with a year of that service as shared Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service from 2016-2017. Paul is an incredibly experienced candidate; as a local resident, and one that started his Fire Service career in Cumbria in 1986, he understands the county well and the challenges the service faces to keep residents and visitors protected and safe. He will, I am certain, ensure that Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service go from strength to strength.”
As required by statutory regulations, the Police, Fire and Crime Panel will hold a confirmatory hearing on 31 January 2025. Following that the Panel will make a recommendation to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner about whether the appointment should be confirmed.