Tributes pour in for West Midlands Fire Chief who was found dead at home in Birmingham
Wayne Brown was found dead at his home yesterday (24 Jan)
Last updated 25th Jan 2024
Tributes have been pouring in online for the Chief Officer at West Midlands Fire Service, who was found dead yesterday.
Wayne Brown was discovered at his Birmingham home.
The fire service said in a statement on the website: "All our thoughts and love are with his family, his friends, and his colleagues."
West Midlands Ambulance Service posted on X (formerly Twitter): "We are very sad to hear of the passing of Wayne Brown. Mr Brown was well regarded by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him. Our deepest condolences go to his family and colleagues."
The fire commissioner at the London Fire Brigade, where Mr Brown used to work, posted on X: "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."
London Fire Brigade Football Club, where Mr Brown used to play during his time at the London Fire Brigade, said they are "devastated" by the news.
Other chief fire officers have also paid tribute, including Jonathan Dyson at North Yorkshire Fire Service. He posted on X: "I am devastated to hear the news of the passing of West Midlands Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown today. My thoughts, and those of all of us in NYFRS, are with Wayne’s family, friends and colleagues”
Cleveland Fire Brigade also posted they were "deeply saddened". They said: "Our thoughts are with Wayne's family, friends, and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time."
Mr Brown's career started in London where he served at the London Fire Brigade for 27 years, rising to the role of assistant commissioner.
He joined the West Midlands Fire Service as deputy chief fire officer in 2019, before being promoted to chief fire officer in January 2023.
He was an ex-professional footballer, with UEFA coaching qualifications.
It was confirmed yesterday that he was under investigation. His death is not being treated as suspicious.