People and skills

Cumbria PFCC confirms appointment of new Chief Fire Officer

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Cumbria PFCC, David Allen (left) and Paul Hancock (right). Image credit: Cumbria PFCC.
Cumbria PFCC, David Allen (left) and Paul Hancock (right). Image credit: Cumbria PFCC.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), David Allen, has confirmed the appointment of Paul Hancock as the new Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).

Paul is the current Fire Service Lead for CFRS and was chosen as the preferred candidate by PFCC David Allen following interviews on 13 January 2025.

In line with the statutory guidelines, the Police, Fire and Crime Panel held a confirmatory hearing on Friday (31 January) considering Paul’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.

“I am delighted that the Police, Fire and Crime Panel has unanimously approved Paul Hancock as the new Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“Paul has been the Fire Service lead for Cumbria Fire and Rescue since August 2024 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 firefighter and leader; as a local resident, and one that started his Fire Service career in Cumbria in 1985, 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 goes from strength to strength.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen.

Speaking on the appointment, Paul Hancock, said: “It’s an honour to be selected as the new Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“It’s a fantastic Service with incredibly dedicated Firefighters and staff and I look forward to continuing my work with them, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and our partners across the county to keep Cumbria safe.”

Bill McEwan, Chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel said: “The panel were delighted to hear from Paul and his appointment is a very strong one for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, he’s incredibly experienced and we’re looking forward to working with him to deliver the best service for residents.”

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