Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s next Chief Fire Officer joins Service ahead of commencing new role

Sabrina, who has previously held senior fire service roles with London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service prior to joining West Sussex in 2019, was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry in the 2023 Birthday Honours.

In her time working in the fire sector, Sabrina has completed numerous secondments, including to the Welsh Government, HMICFRS, interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Surrey and currently serves as the NFCC’s Improvement Chair and National Lead for Working Dogs.

In 2015 Sabrina was appointed as a Deputy Assistant Commissioner in London Fire Brigade, where she was a commander in the response to several significant incidents, including the Westminster Bridge and Finsbury Park terror attacks, and in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Speaking at the time of her appointment, Sabrina 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.

“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.”

Find out more about Sabrina on our website.

Neil Odin is retiring from the Service following a 34-year career. Neil’s fire service career began in 1991 in Hampshire. After spending more than 20 years with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Neil crossed the border in March 2012 to take up the position of assistant chief in Hampshire.

Neil became Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in January 2018, before overseeing their combination to become one organisation in April 2021.

Alongside his role as CFO, Neil is also the UK National Fire Chief’s Council lead for International Affairs, having also chaired the UK Prevention Committee for 5 years previously, working with government to reduce the impact of fire and other emergencies.