Fire chief investigated over claims made online

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Wayne Brown became chief of West Midlands Fire Service in January 2023



A fire service has confirmed its chief officer is under investigation following claims made on social media.

The service would not confirm if Wayne Brown, who leads West Midlands Fire Service, was suspended whilst the investigation is carried out.

The BBC understands the claims relate to a business administration qualification which is a requirement of the role.

The qualification was listed on Mr Brown’s online profile on the fire service’s website but has since been removed.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “We are aware of claims referencing our Chief Fire Officer and West Midlands Fire Service.

“Formal enquiries and processes, in line with our Fire Authority’s constitution, are now ongoing in relation to the matters raised. We will undertake this thoroughly and fairly.

“In the meantime, we will not be commenting further.”

Separately, Mr Brown is also involved in a court case, in which a man has been charged with harassment against him.

Benjamin Walker was due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday but the case was vacated, pending a pre-trial hearing due to take place in February.

The Fire Brigades Union said it was aware of the allegations made against Mr Brown.

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I'd have thought the only qualification needed to become a fire chief was an ability to fight fires but what do I know?

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West Midlands chief fire officer found dead at home



The chief fire officer for the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service has been found dead at his home. Wayne Brown's death is not being treated as suspicious, West Midland Police said.

The West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority released a statement saying that it was "devastated" at the news. It asked for his family and colleagues to be given space.

Wayne Brown was made Chief Fire Officer last year, following the retirement of his predecessor, Phil Loach

In a statement, the Chair of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, Greg Brackenridge, said: "We are devastated to report that our Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Brown, was this morning (24 January) found dead at his home address. The death is not being treated as suspicious by West Midlands Police.

"All our thoughts and love are with his family, his friends and his colleagues. We ask everyone that his family and his colleagues are given time and space at this tragic time."

West Midlands Police said: “We can confirm that we attended an address in Birmingham this morning where the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found. The death is not being treated as suspicious and we are liaising with the local coroner.

“A formal identification will take place in due course. The man’s family is being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this time.”