In a momentous recognition of dedication and service, three members of West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have been honoured in the latest King’s Birthday Honours list. Among the distinguished recipients are Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, School Crossing Patrol Officer Mary Nye, and Assistant Director (Communities) Emily King.

Chief Fire Officer Awarded King’s Fire Service Medal

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, has been awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for her exceptional service and gallantry. Sabrina expressed her delight at receiving the prestigious award, stating, “I am extremely proud to serve within the fire and rescue sector, and being awarded for a job that I have genuinely loved doing for the last 23 years is a huge honour and a really special moment.”

Sabrina’s career began as an 18-year-old firefighter with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2001. Her career trajectory includes roles such as Station Manager and Assistant Fire and Rescue Advisor for the Welsh Government. In 2015, she became a Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the London Fire Brigade and later served as the interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service before her current role in West Sussex, appointed in 2019.

Cllr Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, commended Sabrina’s achievements: “This award is hard earned, thoroughly deserved and a testament to the dedicated work that Sabrina has carried out over the past two decades.”

Sabrina has been at the helm during several significant incidents, including the Westminster Bridge Terror Attack, the Finsbury Park Terror attack, and the aftermath of Grenfell Tower. She continues to serve as the National Fire Chief’s Council Improvement Chair and National Lead for Working Dogs.

Mary Nye’s Extraordinary Service to Community and Road Safety Recognised

Mary Nye, a School Crossing Patrol Officer for West Sussex County Council, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her remarkable 51 years of service. At 90, Mary continues to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, a role she cherishes deeply. “I love being there for the children and the community,” Mary said, dedicating her honour to all School Crossing Patrols in West Sussex.

Mary’s line manager, Sonia Barber, nominated her for the honour, citing Mary’s unwavering dedication to child safety. Cllr Joy Dennis, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, praised Mary’s commitment: “Our School Crossing Patrols perform a vital role in our communities, and my thanks go to them all.”

Ian Holmes, Head Teacher at Holbrook Primary School, highlighted Mary’s enduring impact: “Generations of children, parents, and school staff are thankful to Mary for her amazing service.”

Emily King Awarded MBE

Emily King, West Sussex County Council’s Assistant Director (Communities), received an MBE for her dedicated support to communities over her 20-year tenure with WSCC. Emily expressed her pride, stating, “I am incredibly proud to have been mentioned in the honours list.”

These honours reflect the exceptional dedication and impact that Sabrina, Mary, and Emily have had on their communities, serving as an inspiration to all