West Sussex chief fire officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton will step down from her current position later this year to become the new chief fire officer to lead Hampshire and Isle Of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
She will become the organisation’s first female fire chief, replacing current officer Neil Odin.
Ms Cohen-Hatton joined West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in 2019, having previously worked with THE London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue.
In 2023, she was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry.
Speaking of her appointment, Ms Cohen-Hatton said: “I am truly honoured to have been appointed to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and am incredibly excited to begin this new role to ensure that the Service continues to deliver for the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“I would like to formally put on record my thanks to the service’s current chief fire officer, Neil Odin, who I have been privileged to work alongside for many years.
“I know that his time leading the service will leave a lasting legacy that I will work with to ensure that residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are kept safe from the risk of fire and emergencies.”
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She added: “I am incredibly proud of the time that I spent at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, where I was equally as privileged to work with some incredible people as we worked together to deliver the service’s improvement plan.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave the service but know that I am leaving the service in safe hands and I take with me many fond memories and friendships.
“I am very much looking forward to working with all colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to uphold all of the fantastic work that all of its teams deliver each and every day to keep the residents living and working in its communities safe.”
Ms Cohen-Hatton first developed an interest in the fire service when selling the Big Issue as a teenager.
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She had experienced a period of homelessness from the age of 15 and was inspired to help others when they were most at need.
Ms Cohen-Hatton is now an ambassador for The Big Issue, as well as an advocate of Prince William’s Homewards Foundation.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority chairman Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE said: “The role of chief fire officer is one of huge responsibility, and following our rigorous recruitment process, I am certain Sabrina is the right person to lead us forward.”
“I am very much looking forward to welcoming Sabrina when she formally joins us later this year. As a fire authority we look forward to working with her and to support her in being at the helm of this incredible organisation.”
