West Midlands Fire Service Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown found dead at home

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown has died.

WMFS previously said it was investigating following allegations made about Mr Brown's qualifications not matching those required for the role. They said Mr Brown had been approached for comment.

He was found at his home address on Wednesday 24 January and emergency services have confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.

In a statement released this evening Greg Brackenridge, the Chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority 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.”

According to the West Midlands Fire Service website, Mr Brown started his career as a firefighter in east London and spent 27 years in the London Fire Brigade, rising to assistant commissioner.

He joined West Midlands as deputy chief fire officer in November 2019 and was responsible for community risk reduction before becoming chief fire officer in January 2023.

The website said Mr Brown “has attended some of the UK’s most significant operational incidents, including London terrorist attacks and the devastating Grenfell Tower fire” and is “an ex-professional footballer with Uefa coaching qualifications”.

London Fire Brigade posted a tribute to Mr Brown from Fire Commissioner Andy Roe, saying: “I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Wayne Brown.

“Wayne was a valued and respected colleague in the brigade for over 20 years before joining West Midlands FRS. Our thoughts go out to Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…