CUMBRIA Fire and Rescue Service have appointed two new officers to join its Strategic Leadership Team.

Brian Steadman has been appointed to the permanent position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer, after undertaking the role on a temporary basis.

Rick Ogden has been appointed to the permanent position of Assistant Chief Fire Officer, joining Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) from London Fire Brigade.

Brian has been with Cumbria FRS for 30 years, most recently as temporary Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Assistant Chief Fire Officer prior to this. Brian started his career as an On-call firefighter at Sedbergh in 1991 before joining the Service as a full-time firefighter in 1998 and undertaking various roles throughout the Service.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Brian Steadman, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to the position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Cumbria.

"I am looking forward to the challenges that the role will bring and remain committed to improving the lives of residents and visitors to the County. The ongoing reform of public services will bring huge challenges, but with those challenges will come opportunities.

"I am totally committed to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and believe that we have the talent, enthusiasm and drive within our workforce to continue to deliver a first-class service to the communities of Cumbria, and beyond."

 

 

Rick joins Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service from London Fire Brigade where he is currently serving as Deputy Assistant Commissioner within Training and Assurance.

Rick has over 20 years’ experience working across all parts of the Service within Prevention, Protection and Response. He has also worked extensively with partners through blue light collaboration and emergency planning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Rick Ogden, said: "I am hugely honoured and delighted to have been appointed as the new Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and am very much looking forward to starting work with the Service and meeting partners across the entire county.

“I look forward to leading Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s journey of continuous improvement forwards alongside our commitment to protecting our communities in Cumbria.”

Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, Janet Willis, said: “I am really pleased these roles have been filled with two exceptional candidates.

"Brian brings 30 years of experience and knowledge of working with and serving our Cumbrian communities, whilst Rick brings with him a wealth of experience from his time serving the residents of London.

"I look forward to welcoming Rick to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and continuing to work closely with Brian.”

Chief Fire Officer, John Beard, said: “I am delighted to have both Brian and Rick’s appointments confirmed.

"Both are individuals who possess extensive operational and strategic experience, both in Cumbria and outside, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge.

"I’m looking forward to working with them to deliver a high performing service that works with communities and businesses across the whole of Cumbria."