Staff at West Midlands Fire Service being supported after death of another colleague
Seven deaths have happened since the start of the year, including former chief Wayne Brown.
Last updated 16th Jul 2024
The chief executive of West Midlands Fire Service has said staff are being offered additional support after the death of a colleague, the seventh since the start of the year.
Speaking at a press conference, Oliver Lee said he objected to claims by a national newspaper that the service is "scandal-ridden" and addressed recent negative headlines.
"I have been in post almost precisely four months and through that time, we have been beset by considerable sadness and tragedy, not least yesterday with the tragic death of Ian Revell in our Oldbury fire station," he said.
"We have had five other deaths in the last ten weeks. That is very hard for an organisation like this to cope with, one that prizes others over self, and prizes duty over financial reward."
He added: "The organisation has been grieving, but also unflinching in pursuit of what it does every day."
The circumstances of Mr Revell's death on Monday will be subject to an inquest.
The service's previous chief Wayne Brown was found dead at his home in January. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.
Neither death is being treated as suspicious.
Mr Lee said in light of this week's tragedy, all colleagues had been urged to use any support services available to them, and also to support one another.
"Go to the pub, go for a run, go for a swim or for a walk, but don't go alone. Put your arms around each other as I'm trying to put my arms around the entire organisation," he said.
Support services available
If you need support, there are a number of services available:
Samaritans - for 24 hour support call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
PAPYRUS - offer support for teenagers and young adults - call 0800 068 41 41.
Mind - mental health charity info line 0300 123 3393.