The temporary chief fire officer of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue has been appointed to take on the role on permanent basis.

Chris Strickland took over the position in January but after approval from fire authority members he will begin the role full time immediately.

The announcement comes after the authority’s appointments committee recommended Chris Strickland to the full Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority today (March 30) as the best candidate for the role following a competitive assessment process last week.

Mr Strickland said: “I am honoured to accept the role of chief fire officer. I have been fortunate to have the support of my family and am thrilled to continue working with staff who are dedicated to the fire and rescue service and the safety of the public in Cambridgeshire.

“I look forward to working with the Fire Authority, our staff and partners to continue to provide the community with a high quality, low cost fire and rescue service.”

Mr Strickland joined Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2007 as assistant chief fire officer. Prior to this he served in Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, joining in 1983 at the age of 18.

Sir Peter Brown, chairman of the authority, said: “We are looking forward to working with Chris to lead the organisation through the ever-changing challenges of a fire and rescue service.

“Chris has been chosen to bring innovative solutions and to continue to drive forward the organisation, while striving to deliver the best service we can for the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.”

The appointment was made following a rigorous recruitment process with the vacancy advertised nationally.

An assessment centre was held last week where a panel of six Fire Authority members, along with the Service’s legal advisor and an external chief fire officer in a technical advisory role evaluated the candidates.