Honorary Graduates 2025 – Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
The University of Chichester has made the first female Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, an Honorary Doctor of Psychology.
Dr Cohen-Hatton exemplifies resilience, innovation, and leadership. Born in Newport, South Wales in 1983, she overcame significant adversity, including homelessness at 15 following her father’s death. She survived by selling The Big Issue and endured antisemitic abuse while sleeping rough. At 18, she joined South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, becoming the first woman at her station.
In 2019, Sabrina was appointed Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, leading responses to high-profile incidents. In April 2025, she was selected as Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service—the first woman to hold this post. Sabrina was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry in the 2023 Birthday Honours.
Alongside her fire service career, Dr Cohen-Hatton pursued academic excellence, earning a degree from the Open University and later a PhD in behavioural neuroscience from Cardiff University. Her research, using helmet cameras, revealed that 80% of incident decisions are instinctive. This led to the development of a decision control model now embedded in national policy via the National Fire Chiefs’ Council.
A bestselling author, Big Issue ambassador, and recipient of numerous honours, Dr Cohen-Hatton’s commitment to social mobility and gender equality makes her a truly deserving recipient of the University of Chichester’s Honorary Doctor of Psychology.
Asked how she felt about receiving her honorary degree, Dr Cohen-Hatton said: “I’m really excited. It’s a real honour and a privilege. I served as Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex for many years and to have this tie to an important local institution like the University of Chichester is beautiful.”
Reflecting on her career, she added: “What stands out for me are the small moments when I’ve been able to help somebody. I started my career as a firefighter and I really appreciate and value the work that our firefighters do. Now as Chief Fire Officer I’m able to create an environment where our people can succeed and help more people.”
She also shared some words of advice for graduating students, saying: “The best advice I can give is not to be afraid of a detour, the best careers are squiggly! Be open to whatever happens during your career.”
