West Sussex Fire Chief Snags Top International Fire Safety Role
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS), has been named the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) International Lead. She will juggle this prestigious new role alongside her current job running West Sussex’s fire service.
Leading Global Firefighter Safety
The NFCC is the top body representing UK fire chiefs. In her new role, Sabrina will connect fire services worldwide, swapping tips to boost firefighter safety and share cutting-edge practices. This global exchange promises smarter, safer firefighting both at home and abroad.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the NFCC International Lead and I am looking forward to sharing international best practices with colleagues around the world, as well as here in West Sussex,” Sabrina said.
“For over a decade, I’ve researched decision-making psychology to keep firefighters and the public safer. Sharing this knowledge globally has shown me the power of learning from others. This role lets us take that to the next level.”
Backing Aid Missions and Crisis Support
Sabrina’s role will also help coordinate fire service aid during global emergencies. Recently, West Sussex’s firefighters were at the forefront of assistance during the Ukraine crisis. In March, 12 WSFRS firefighters joined the UK’s largest fire service convoy delivering 22 vehicles, including four fire engines donated by West Sussex, plus over 5,000 vital items.
Since then, two more convoys have headed to Ukraine. Sabrina’s leadership will drive similar lifesaving aid projects in the future, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to helping emergency responders worldwide.
WSFRS at the Forefront of Firefighting Excellence
Working closely with neighbouring UK services, Sabrina is eager to bring global knowledge home and keep West Sussex fire crews ahead of the pack. Her passion for learning from international experience puts WSFRS on the frontline of fire safety innovation.
“It’s crucial to learn from others’ experiences to adopt new best practices, and that’s what I’m truly passionate about,” she adds.
