Cumbria Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock to Step Down
Cumbria’s Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock is set to step down after 18 months leading the county’s fire and rescue service.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service announced that Mr Hancock will leave the role in June 2026.
He returned from retirement to take on the position on an interim basis. With the aim of providing stability, direction and leadership during a period of change.
The service said arrangements are now being made to appoint a temporary successor.
The transition is due to take effect from Monday, June 8, 2026.
Returned From Retirement to Lead the Service
Paul Hancock returned to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service after previously serving in senior fire leadership roles.
His appointment was always intended to be for a defined period.
During his 18 months as Chief Fire Officer, he helped lead the service through an improvement programme. Following its most recent HMICFRS inspection.
HMICFRS is the body that inspects fire and rescue services in England. Its reports look at areas such as effectiveness, efficiency, leadership, culture and how well services protect the public.
More Than 40 Years in Fire and Rescue
Mr Hancock has spent more than four decades in public service.
He began his fire service career in Cumbria at Workington in 1985. He also served at Barrow and Kendal, as well as Penrith Training Centre and A Division in west Cumbria.
In 2005, he moved to headquarters as Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
He later transferred to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2007. After being promoted to Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He then became Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive there in 2009.
He was also President of the Chief Fire Officers Association between 2015 and 2016.
Progress During His Time in Charge
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said Mr Hancock’s time as Chief Fire Officer had seen progress in several key areas.
This included work on the service’s improvement plan, stronger governance and programme management, and a county-wide operational fire cover review.
That review is expected to help shape the next Community Risk Management Plan. This plan sets out how the fire service will manage risk, respond to emergencies and keep communities safe.
The service has also started preparing for future governance changes.
From May 2027, governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is expected to transfer to the Mayor of the newly created Cumbria Combined Authority.
Hancock Says Role Was Always for a Defined Period
Mr Hancock said the role had always been intended to last for a set period.
He said he had returned to support the service through an important phase of improvement and change.
He also praised the workforce, saying staff across Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service care deeply about the communities they serve.
He said returning to the service where his career began more than 40 years ago had meant a great deal to him personally.
Temporary Successor to Be Appointed
Arrangements are now being made to appoint a temporary successor.
The transition will take effect from Monday, June 8, 2026, to ensure the service has continuity of leadership.
Longer-term arrangements are expected to be progressed ahead of the planned governance transfer to the Mayor of the Cumbria Combined Authority in 2027.
Mr Hancock’s departure marks the end of a short but significant period leading Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service through change, inspection response work and preparation for the future.
