Cleveland Fire Brigade names new chief

Current chief fire officer Ian Hayton, Fire authority chair David Coupe, incoming chief fire officer Peter Rickard and former fire authority vice chair Sufi Mubeen

The appointment of a fire brigade's new chief has been given the thumbs up by councillors.

The current head of Cleveland Fire Brigade, Ian Hayton, announced he would be retiring later this year after 16 years in the role.

Peter Rickard was conditionally named as his replacement following a "robust and competitive selection process" in May.

He has now been unanimously backed by councillors at the latest meeting of Cleveland Fire Authority.

The appointment is subject to the necessary medical, reference checks and enhanced DBS and security clearance.

'Incredible opportunity'

Mr Rickard is currently assistant chief fire officer at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, having started his career at London Fire Brigade in 2001.

He became deputy assistant commissioner as the head of operational risk and strategic planning at the organisation in 2019.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Cleveland Fire Authority officers described him as having "the necessary professional qualifications for the role, complemented by appropriate experience at a senior level within the fire and rescue service".

Mr Rickard said he was "truly delighted" and hailed it an "incredible opportunity".

He added: "It is a genuine privilege to be able to serve the people of Teesside and to work within such a high-performing and dedicated brigade, alongside individuals who give their all for their communities."