Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has named its first female chief fire officer in an historic appointment.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton will take up the role later this year after a handover period with the current chief fire officer, Neil Odin.

She is joining from her position as the chief of the neighbouring fire service in West Sussex.

Sabrina has previously held senior fire service roles with the London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service prior to joining West Sussex in 2019.

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Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has been appointed as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service's first female chief fire officer. (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service) She was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry in the 2023 Birthday Honours.

She 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.

"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."

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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority chairman, cllr 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.

"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."

Sabrina joined South Wales Fire and Rescue at 18-years-old in 2001 after experiencing homelessness from the age of 15.

She sold the Big Issue before joining the fire service.

As well as being an ambassador for The Big Issue, she is also an advocate of Prince William’s Homewards foundation.

Alongside serving, she has studied psychology at both the Open University and Cardiff University, completing a PhD in behavioural neuroscience, and has since been awarded numerous honorary doctorates.

Following a 34-year career in the fire service, current chief fire officer Neil Odin is due to retire after more than seven years in the top job.