West Sussex Fire Service Shakes Up Senior Team
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is making bold moves as it gears up for the next chapter under devolution with two key senior appointments.
Historic First: Non-Operational Director Takes the Helm
Sabrina Pennington-Down has been named the service’s very first non-operational Assistant Director. Sabrina has been the driving force behind organisational assurance and governance for years. Now, she’s stepping up to lead on strategy, improvement, and assurance — a groundbreaking shift for the fire service.
Andy Piller Rises to Assistant Chief Fire Officer
Joining Sabrina is Andy Piller, promoted to Assistant Chief Fire Officer. Andy started with the service in 2020 as a Group Manager and has since worked as Area Manager for Service Delivery. His passion for the job and fresh perspective are expected to boost the leadership team.
Strong Leadership Ready for Change
Interim Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball, who took charge in June, welcomed the appointments enthusiastically:
“I am delighted to be working alongside Sabrina and Andy. They both bring a wealth of skills and experience to our senior leadership team which will stand us in good stead to lead the service through this exciting period.
As our first ever non-operational director, Sabrina has been at the forefront of the service’s improvement programme for many years. She will bring a unique perspective on us as a service, while recognising the work delivered by our non-operational colleagues.
Andy has a real passion for the service and the drive to take on this role to position the service in the best possible place. I know he will bring a fresh outlook to the role and will be an asset to our senior leadership team.”
The appointments arrive as the service prepares for sweeping devolution changes set to transform local governance and fire service delivery across West Sussex.
