Release date: 1 September 2025
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has appointed its new senior leadership team.
Sabrina Pennington-Down has been appointed as the service’s first non-operational Assistant Director. Sabrina has spent many years leading the service’s organisational assurance and governance, and her new responsibilities will include strategy, improvement, and assurance.
Andy Piller has been appointed as the service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer. Andy previously served as Area Manager for Service Delivery after joining West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service as a Group Manager in 2020.
Together they join Interim Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball, who was appointed in June, to lead the service as it prepares for devolution.
Interim Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball said: “I am delighted to be working alongside Sabrina and Andy. They both bring a wealth of skills and experience to our senior leadership team which will stand us in good stead to lead the service through this exciting period.
“As our first ever non-operational director, Sabrina has been at the forefront of the service’s improvement programme for many years. I am confident she will offer a unique perspective on us as a service, while recognising all the work delivered by our non-operational colleagues that often goes on behind the scenes.”
“Andy has a real passion for the service and the drive to take on this role to position the service in the best possible place. I know he will bring a fresh outlook to the role and will be an asset to our senior leadership team.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “I would like to congratulate Sabrina and Andy on their successful appointments and wish them all the best in their new roles. I know they will ensure the service continues to deliver upon its strategic objectives and keep residents and communities in West Sussex safe.”
