West Midlands welcomes new fire chief after turbulent process to fill role
Simon Tuhill has started his role as Chief Fire Officer at West Midlands Fire Service after Oliver Lee stepped down last year.
The West Midlands Fire Service has welcomed a new chief fire officer (CFO) after its previous one publicly condemned its governance.
Simon Tuhill began work on Monday 6 January after being appointed in November.
He commented: "My primary focus will be on building upon the exceptional work that this service is already known for. After what I know was a challenging and, at times, turbulent 2024, I aim to provide a sense of stability and continuity for everyone across the organisation.
"To achieve this, I believe it is essential to engage with you directly, to understand you, your watches, teams, departments and your needs. This will help us not only to maintain our high standards but also to address areas where we can grow and improve. I’m delighted to have such a high calibre of leaders around me, who I will be leaning on heavily as I start to build my understanding of how WMFS works."
His appointment follows the resignation of Oliver Lee, who heavily criticised the governance at the service last year in a series of controversial social media posts.
In one LinkedIn post, Mr Lee said: "The governance of the organisation is wholly impossible, lacking as it does courage, transparency, care and honesty. I find this very sad in what should be, and could be, a superb public sector organisation."
Mr Lee filled the position after the CFO before him, Wayne Brown, died unexpectedly at his home in Birmingham on 24 January 2024.
Sharing a message for the communities of the West Midlands, CFO Tuhill said: "Sometimes the public may think that the fire service is only about our response work when we turn up after you dial 999 to help when you need us the most. But today’s fire service is so much more than this. We have protection teams who deliver work to keep your complex built environment safe. Our prevention teams engage with every part of the community, and our key partners, to prevent emergencies happening in the first place.
"We also have many talented and valued staff who are critical in supporting the service to carry out its delivery. All these colleagues work together, as one team, to keep our residents, businesses and visitors safe. I will work tirelessly to make sure that WMFS continues this great work, and I make no apologies for the fact that I will regularly be showcasing the incredible work my new colleagues, from across every area of the service, do. I will also be engaging with you as we review the way we deliver services to the people of the West Midlands to make sure our service continues to be fit for the 21st century."
Mr Tuhill has been working in the fire service for 22 years, beginning his career with the London Fire Brigade in 1998 where he attended major incidents, including the Grenfell Tower fire and the 7 July bombings for which he received a commendation.
Before his move the the West Midlands, he was the deputy CFO at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He continued: "We work in an incredible part of the country, and it’s a privilege for us to serve the public.
"Thank you once again for the warm welcome and for your ongoing dedication to the service and the communities we serve. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the weeks and months ahead. My door is always open, so please don’t hesitate to stop by or say hello if you see me around. Together, I’m confident we can make 2025 a successful and rewarding year."
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