Chris Waters MIFireE : Area Manager
Chris currently holds the position of Head of Service Delivery for North Lancashire & Fylde which he has undertaken since his promotion to Area Manager in October 2008.
Chris joined Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service in September 1984. Since joining the Service, Chris has held various posts within East Lancashire, Training Centre, Service Headquarters and Western Area at different levels of rank in operational, trainer and fire safety roles.
Chris was based at Blackpool for four years as the Community Protection Manager for Western Area and was instrumental in developing the re-assurance plus scheme, concentrating partnership resources on the most vulnerable and deprived areas of the town.
As Head of Service Delivery for North Lancashire & Fylde, Chris has responsibility for the Technical and Community Fire Safety within the area as well as the operational response activity for 15 of the Service’s Fire Stations.
Chris likes walking, reading and is a keen fan of Formula 1 motor racing. He has two daughters.
David Bent BScMIFireE : Area Manager
David joined Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service in July 1983. His current role is Head of Training & Development which he has held since October 2008.
In his current role he is responsible for training, learning and development of all operational and non-operational personnel within the Service as well as the Service’s Training Centre at Washington Hall.
Throughout his career with the Service, David has served in East Lancashire, Training Centre and Service Headquarters in both operational, trainer and fire safety roles at various levels of rank and held the position of Control Commander in Fire Control from August 2001 to May 2003.
David holds a BSc in Geology which he gained whilst attending London University prior to him joining Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service.
His interests include local history and historical research and reading. David is married with two children.
Mick Barke DMS : Area Manager
Mick joined Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service in May 2009 on promotion to Area Manager from Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, undertaking the role of Head of Service Delivery for Central & West Lancashire.
In his current role as Head of Service Delivery for Central & West Lancs, he is responsible for over 300 staff and is accountable for all aspects of Service Delivery designed to reduce the risk of fire across all communities.
Whilst serving with Greater Manchester, Mick worked through the ranks and was promoted to Borough Commander for Rochdale in July 2008.
Prior to his joining Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service in 1989, Mick served in the Royal Marines for six years.
Outside work his interests include his two dogs, walking and watching rugby.
Peter Aspden LLB BSc MIFireE : Area Manager
Peter joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in September 1979. During his career with the Service he has served in East Lancashire, Training Centre and Service Headquarters working in both operational and fire safety at different levels of rank.
In November 2001 Peter was promoted to Area Manager and his current post is Head of Service Delivery for East Lancashire & Pennine which encompasses six Wholetime, one Day Crewing and eight Retained Stations.
Peter presently sits on the Equality & Diversity Strategy group and is the Service champion for Race issues. He is also part of a national working group which is reviewing BA Command & Control procedures.
Peter holds a BSc in Law, a BSc in Fire Service Studies and is a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers.
His interests include cycling, jogging and walking. Peter is married with two sons.