New Chief Fire Officer appointed for Cleveland Fire Brigade

The Cleveland Fire Authority conditionally appointed Peter Rickard as Chief Fire Officer for Cleveland Fire Brigade at the Executive Committee meeting which took place on Tuesday 21 May.

Peter is currently serving in the Assistant Chief Fire Officer role working at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and will officially take up his new substantive post in Cleveland later this year.

ACFO Peter Rickard started his career in the fire and rescue service at London Fire Brigade (LFB) back in 2001. His career progressed in LFB and in 2019 was appointed to the senior role of Deputy Assistant Commissioner as the Head of Operational Risk and Strategic Planning.

In his current Assistant Chief Fire Officer role at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service he holds the portfolio lead for prevention, protection, service delivery, resilience and emergencies and business continuity. Peter brings a wide breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, and experience that provides a firm platform to progress into the Chief Fire Officer’s role at Cleveland Fire Brigade.

“When I followed in my father’s footsteps and began my career as a firefighter in London Fire Brigade in 2001, I could never have imagined having the incredible opportunities that the fire service would offer me. I genuinely appreciate all the support I’ve received, and the confidence people have placed in me.

“As Chief Fire Officer, my priority will be to ensure that we effectively fulfil the commitments of our Community Risk Management Plan and continue to guide the Brigade on its journey to becoming an outstanding fire and rescue service.”

Peter Rickard, Chief Fire Officer, Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Upon his appointment Peter was congratulated by Chair of the Combined Fire Authority Cllr David Coupe and Vice-Chair Cllr Sufi Mubeen.

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