New Assistant Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has appointed Jon Lacey (above) as an Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO).

Jon has been the fire and rescue service’s Acting ACFO for the past three months and brings with him over 26 years’ experience in a range of roles.

After starting his career as a retained firefighter at Haywards Heath Fire Station, Jon transferred to Essex Fire and Rescue Service for five years before returning to West Sussex and has worked in various roles across the service, including eight years with the Technical Rescue Unit and as an Area Manager for Risk and Improvements.

More recently Jon has taken the lead on the Joint Fire Control room project for West Sussex and Surrey fire and rescue services, which went live in December. In addition to his role, Jon is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in Strategic Leadership.

Talking about the appointment, Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, said, “I am delighted that Jon will be taking up the role of Assistant Chief Fire Officer on a full-time basis He is a well-respected and experienced fire and rescue professional, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and operational leadership. With his drive and determination, Jon is a real asset to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and our leadership team as well as being instrumental to improving the lives of the communities we serve.”