West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's Steve Ash retires

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s area manager for response Steve Ash is retiring from the fire service after 32 years.

Mr Ash began his career in Hampshire and joined Stockbridge Fire Station as a retained firefighter in January 1990 before becoming a full-time firefighter at Basingstoke three years later.

He worked across the county in various roles, including serving as Winchester’s station manager when the new fire station opened in 2011, and as a group manager for the New Forest area.

He attended notable incidents such as a 17-storey high rise fire, a large commercial garage fire in the New Forest and an Ocado warehouse fire.

After 30 years of serving the residents of Hampshire, Mr Ash transferred across the border to West Sussex, leading the service’s protection team through the pandemic before becoming the head of response.

Retained firefighters at their Pass Out Parade with Steve Ash (Image: West Sussex County Council)

“It has been an honour to help people in times of distress and make a small difference during some of the worst days of their lives,” he said.

“I joined the fire service because I love problem solving, and this job allows you to bring order out of chaos. It has also given me opportunities to help find resolutions to social issues, such as looking at how we reduce fire deaths and prevent modern-day slavery.

“I have loved helping colleagues to develop and flourish in my leadership roles, and supporting others is the thing I will miss the most about the fire and rescue service.”

Steve Ash (Image: West Sussex County Council)

Chief fire officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton said: “Steve has been a true asset to the fire service and his commitment has helped keep residents across the south coast safer for over 30 years.

“Here in West Sussex Steve has headed up a number of key projects, such as the implementation of the Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Service’s. Steve’s expertise also helped shape our community risk management plan which launched earlier this year.

“I am confident that the fire and rescue service is a much stronger sector with thanks to Steve’s dedication, and I wish him a very happy and healthy retirement.”