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Sabrina Cohen-Hatton named new Chief Fire Officer in England

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed that Sabrina Cohen-Hatton will take over as Chief Fire Officer later this year following a handover period with current CFO Neil Odin.

According to the fire service, Cohen-Hatton is currently Chief Fire Officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and previously held senior positions with London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

She was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry in the 2023 Birthday Honours.

Fire Authority confirms recruitment process for leadership change

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority stated that the appointment followed a formal selection process.

Chairman Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE said: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sabrina as our new chief fire officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”

Councillor Vaughan added: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Cohen-Hatton outlines commitment to residents and colleagues

Cohen-Hatton said she was looking forward to supporting the safety of people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Sabrina 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.”

She added: “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.”

She continued: “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.

“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.”

Cohen-Hatton concluded: “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.”

Incoming CFO brings frontline, academic and policy experience

The fire service stated that Cohen-Hatton joined South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2001 after experiencing homelessness from the age of 15.

During that time, she sold The Big Issue and later became an ambassador for the organisation.

She is also an advocate for the Homewards foundation and has previously led a partnership of uniformed youth groups under the patronage of King Charles, then Prince of Wales.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service noted that Cohen-Hatton has completed several secondments, including to the Welsh Government, HMICFRS, and served as interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Surrey.

She is currently the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Improvement Chair and National Lead for Working Dogs.

Alongside operational duties, Cohen-Hatton studied psychology through the Open University and Cardiff University and completed a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience.

Her academic work on decision-making in command settings has been recognised internationally and informed policy.

She has also published research and been awarded multiple honorary doctorates.

In 2015, she was appointed Deputy Assistant Commissioner at London Fire Brigade and served as a commander during the Westminster Bridge and Finsbury Park terror attacks, and in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Neil Odin prepares to retire after 34 years in the fire service

The fire service confirmed that Neil Odin will retire after more than three decades in the sector, including over seven years as Chief Fire Officer.

Neil Odin said: “As well as her commendable and notable professional successes over more than two decades, I have also had the privilege of working with Sabrina for many years.”

He added: “Embodying our Service Values, Sabrina will bring a fresh outlook, strong leadership skills, and invaluable experience, ensuring the Service continues to adapt, improve and thrive.”

Odin continued: “I know that she will find Hampshire and Isle of Wight a great place to work, and receive a warm welcome from the staff, partners and communities.”

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton appointed to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service: Summary

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has been appointed Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

The appointment was announced by the fire authority following a formal selection process.

Cohen-Hatton will succeed Neil Odin after a handover period later in 2025.

She is currently Chief Fire Officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Her previous roles include senior positions at London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

Cohen-Hatton joined South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2001.

She has been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal and holds a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience.

Her research has influenced incident command policy internationally.

She is also a published author and advocate for several charitable initiatives.

Neil Odin is retiring after 34 years in the fire service.

He served more than seven years as Chief Fire Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.