“`html
Gary Ball Confirmed as West Sussex’s New Deputy Chief Fire Officer
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has made it official. Gary Ball is the new Deputy Chief Fire Officer after impressing during his interim spell earlier this month. He steps into the role following Matt Cook’s move to Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
From Frontline Firefighter to Senior Leader
Gary Ball’s rise through the ranks is the stuff of firefighting legend. Starting in 2002 with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, he served Portsmouth and Southampton communities for over a decade.
In 2017, Ball joined West Sussex Fire & Rescue as Station Manager at Bognor Regis. His rapid climb saw him named Assistant Chief Fire Officer last year. Now, he’s ready to make his mark as Deputy Chief Fire Officer.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as Deputy Chief Fire Officer and I feel incredibly proud to serve the communities of West Sussex. Our staff work tirelessly to support each other and the public. It’s a great honour, and I will do my utmost to support my colleagues and our communities to the fullest.”
Driving Change and Leading on a National Stage
Ball hasn’t just climbed the ladder—he’s been a driving force behind major improvements in West Sussex.
- Led the HMICFRS Improvement Plan to push through vital transformation in the fire service.
- Introduced the Performance and Assurance Framework to tighten governance and keep statutory duties on track.
Beyond West Sussex, he holds a key national role as the National Fire Chiefs Council Lead for On-call, steering the retained duty system critical for on-call firefighter operations across the UK.
What’s Next for West Sussex Fire & Rescue?
While Ball settles into his new role, West Sussex Fire & Rescue is still hunting for a new Chief Fire Officer. This vacancy follows Sabrina Cohen-Hatton’s recent move to head Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.
This appointment signals a new era for West Sussex Fire & Rescue as it strengthens its leadership to keep delivering top-notch emergency services to the county.
“`
