First female chief announced for fire service

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton went from selling Big Issues to becoming Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service's first female fire chief

The chief fire officer (CFO) at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will leave her role to become the first female chief of a fire service in the neighbouring county.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton will join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service as CFO later this year, after six years at the helm in West Sussex.

"I am truly honoured and incredibly excited to begin this new role to ensure the service continues to deliver for the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight," she said.

Ms Cohen-Hatton has held many senior positions, including interim deputy CFO in Surrey, since first joining the service in South Wales.

"I am incredibly proud of the time that I spent at West Sussex Fire & 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," she said.

"It is with a heavy heart that I leave the service, but know that I am leaving it in safe hands and I take with me many fond memories and friendships."

Prior to joining the service in 2001 aged 18, Ms Cohen-Hatton was homeless for three years and would sell the Big Issue magazine.

It was during her telling selling the magazine that she developed a curiosity to serve in the fire service, to help people when they needed it most.

In her time working in the fire sector, Ms Cohen-Hatton has completed numerous secondments, including to the Welsh Government and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

She has also collected awards, including the King's Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry.

Neil Odin, who is stepping down as CFO in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: "Sabrina will bring a fresh outlook, strong leadership skills, and invaluable experience, ensuring the service continues to adapt, improve and thrive."