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David Bland— Upper
Warden
David became a Warden of the
Company for a second time in
the sad aftermath of the death of
the Rev David Rhodes.
For 25 years he taught Economics and Economic History at
Sheffield University, where he met our Master, Geoff Mor-
gan and rose to be Dean of Social Sciences and finally Pro-
Vice-Chancellor.
David was first introduced to the Firefighters, when, as Di-
rector-General of the Chartered Insurance Institute, he was
invited as a guest to our 1989 Carol Service. Upon learning
that the Guild were about to lose their office at Aldersgate
Street, he agreed to find an office for the Clerk in the Insur-
ance Hall; thus beginning a relationship that has continued
for almost two decades. He was later to join the Court of the
Guild of Firefighters and to subsequently rise to the rank of
Master [of the Company, then without Livery] for the mil-
lennium period.
David left the CII in 2000 to return to academic life as Dean
of East London Business School. Since leaving the School,
he has had a portfolio of directorships and is a member of
several charitable trusts. He served as Master of the Wor-
shipful Company of Insurers in 2006-7, and is an Assistant
in Cripplegate Ward Club.
Peter Cowland—Renter War-
den
Peter joined the Middlesex Fire Bri-
gade in 1964, following his father into
the fire service.
Progressing through the ranks to Divisional Officer in the
London Fire Brigade, he transferred to Hertfordshire in 1988
where he served in the roles of both Divisional Commander
and County Senior Fire Safety Officer.
Retiring in 1996 after over 32 years service he took up em-
ployment with the Fire Protection Association (FPA) ini-
tially as the Senior Training Officer and afterwards as their
National Fire Safety Co-ordinator. During this time he was
also seconded under contract to British Airways at Heathrow
Airport where he trained flight and cabin crew in fire fight-
ing techniques on commercial aircraft. In 2001 he left the
FPA in order to develop his own fire consultancy.
Peter joined the Company of Firefighters in 1997, became a
Freeman of the City in 1999 and a Liveryman in 2002. For
six years he organised the Fire Industry Charity Ball
(formerly “The Salamander Ball) and, after serving on Court
for a number of years, Peter became Under Warden in 2008.
He is currently serving as Renter Warden.
2009 Court Wardens
Michael Harper—Under Warden
Born in Barrow-in-Furness and educated at the local Grammar School and London Uni-
versity, Michael’s early career was with Vickers Plc.
For the past 20 years, Michael has been involved in the supply of fire protection and
safety equipment to the international market – latterly as Chief Executive of Kidde Plc.
Since retiring, he has been appointed Chairman of BBA Aviation Plc (Flight Support and
Systems for Business and General Aviation) and Vitec Plc (Equipment for the Broadcast and Photographic market).
Michael also serves on the Boards of Ricardo Plc (Automotive Engineering Consultants) and Catlin Plc (Property and Casualty
Insurer).
Michael became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters in 2002 and a Liveryman in 2004 .
He was appointed as a Court Assistant in 2004.and became Under Warden July 2009.
Michael is married with 5 children and lists his hobbies as “most sports, Opera and Ballet.”