This week, there were claims made on social media regarding Mr. Brown’s credentials, and the fire department launched an investigation.
The chairman of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, Greg Brackenridge, released the following statement on Wednesday: “We are devastated to report that our chief fire officer, Wayne Brown, was found dead at his home address this morning.
The West Midlands Police are not investigating the death as suspicious.
“His family, friends, and coworkers are in our hearts and minds.
“We ask everyone that his family and his colleagues are given time and space at this tragic time.”
“We can confirm that we attended an address in Birmingham where the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found,” a statement from West Midlands Police stated.
“We are communicating with the nearby coroner and the death is not being investigated as suspicious.
“A formal identification will take place in due course.”
According to the West Midlands Fire Service website, Mr. Brown began his career as a firefighter in east London and worked for the London Fire Brigade for 27 years, eventually becoming an assistant commissioner.
Prior to taking on the role of chief fire officer in January 2023, he began serving the West Midlands service in November 2019 as a deputy chief fire officer, where he oversaw community risk reduction.
This week, there were reports of allegations regarding Mr. Brown, and the fire department launched an investigation.
“We are aware of claims referencing our chief fire officer and West Midlands Fire Service,” the agency stated in an earlier statement.
“In accordance with the constitution of our Fire Authority, formal investigations and procedures are currently being conducted concerning the issues brought up. We’ll approach this carefully and equitably.
“In the meantime, we will not be commenting further.”
