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Richard Dunbar, founder of Park Lodge International, began his career in the Fire Service as a Cadet, rising through the ranks to become Chief Fire Officer. Over decades of service, he has built an exceptional depth of expertise in firefighting, fire safety, and emergency management, earning the informal title “The Professor” among his peers. Qualified to UK Home Office standards as an Inspecting Officer for fire safety — with advanced certification enabling him to lead complex inspections such as the BAe Systems site at Weybridge — Richard has also shared his expertise as a lecturer at the University of London. He authored the Fire Safety and Emergency Management BSc distance learning programme for the University of Hong Kong and has served as an Inspector for the UK Health and Safety Executive, investigating fatal fires and providing expert evidence in Crown, Magistrates, and Coroners’ Courts. Richard is also a published author and thought leader, having written the recognised handbook on Fire Investigation, the ‘Blue Book’ for police managing chemical incidents, and numerous specialist papers on topics including: • Vehicle fires and brake fluid hazards • Preventing arson through investigation • Fire risks from domestic products and decorations • Microwave and electrical fire safety • Counter-terrorism procedures for the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office • Electric Vehicle and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety