Cumbria officially has a new chief fire officer.

Cumbria County Council's Fire and Rescue Service has appointed John Beard for the role, bringing with him extensive experience, strong leadership and a wealth of knowledge.

The role of chief fire officer is key, leading the continued improvements within the service – and John's first task is to appoint a new deputy chief fire officer to fill his shoes.

Commenting on his new role, John said: "I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the position of chief fire officer here at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

"Having served the people of Cumbria since 2018 and played a part on some of the innovative modernisation of our service, I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to drive this forward.

"I’m particularly keen to build on the partnership working that the service has with our Blue Light Colleagues which make a positive difference for not just our staff but our local people and communities."

He added: “Protecting the public and preventing fires and other emergencies is at the heart of everything we do, and I’m enormously proud to be leading the service and continuing to keep our communities safe 365 days of the year.”

Katherine Fairclough, chief executive for Cumbria County Council added: “John brings extensive experience within the Fire and Rescue Service sector and a clear shared commitment to leading a County Council Fire and Rescue Service that works with its residents, businesses, communities and other organisations to deliver the best services possible within our available resources.”

Councillor Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said: “We are very pleased with this appointment and are looking forward to working more closely with John.

"He brings a range of skills and experience that make him ideal to move up into this role, and I am confident that John will continue with the positive work he has been doing within Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to date.”

Councillor Janet Willis, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, added: “I am very proud to see that John has progressed to be the Chief Fire Officer.

"He has contributed so much to the service since joining just a few years ago and I’m very much looking forwarded to him building on the fantastic work that he has already delivered.”