West Sussex Fire Chief Takes on Top International 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 new national role alongside her current duties in West Sussex.
Sharing Global Firefighting Know-How
The NFCC represents UK fire chiefs, and Sabrina’s new role will see her linking up with fire services worldwide. Her mission: to share best practices, boost firefighter safety, and bring cutting-edge developments back home.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the NFCC International Lead and I am looking forward to embarking on this new journey,” Sabrina said.
“Over the last decade I have researched decision-making psychology to keep firefighters and the public safer. Sharing knowledge globally shows how vital these exchanges are — for both teaching others and learning ourselves. West Sussex is now at the forefront of international best practice.”
On the Frontline of Crisis Support
Sabrina’s role also involves coordinating international aid efforts. In March, the NFCC, FIRE AID, and Fire Industry Association led a UK-wide response to support Ukrainian firefighters and emergency teams amid the ongoing crisis.
WSFRS sent a convoy of 12 firefighters as part of the largest UK fire service aid convoy. They delivered 22 vehicles, including four fire engines donated by West Sussex, plus over 5,000 pieces of essential equipment.
Since then, two more convoys have been dispatched, with Sabrina set to play a key role in driving future international support projects.
A Passion for Progress and Protection
“We already work closely with neighbouring services in the UK, but this role takes our learning worldwide,” Sabrina added. “I’m passionate about adopting new best practices from others’ experiences. This appointment puts West Sussex fire and rescue service in a fantastic position on the global stage.”
