Tributes to fire chief following death

Wayne Brown became chief fire officer in January 2023

Tributes have been paid to the chief officer of West Midlands Fire Service, Wayne Brown, who was found dead on Wednesday.

Mr Brown was appointed to the role in January 2023, having joined West Midlands Fire Service in 2019.

His death was not being treated as suspicious, police said.

The fire service confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Brown had been under investigation by the employer.

That inquiry, the BBC understands, relates to a business qualification which is a requirement of the role.

On Thursday, flags were flying at half mast at the service's headquarters in Birmingham. Staff had been offered support, it said.

The day before, West Midlands Police said the body of a man in his 50s had been found at a property in the city.

A force spokesperson said: "The man's family is being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: "Wayne Brown was a really good friend to West Midlands Police. He will be sorely missed."

Flags have flown at half mast at West Midlands Fire Service headquarters

'Valued and respected colleague'

Greg Brackenridge, chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "All our thoughts and love are with [Mr Brown's] family, his friends and his colleagues."

He also shared a request from the family for "time and space at this tragic time".

A number of fire services from across the country have paid tribute on social media.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service posted on X: "Our sympathies go out to Wayne's loved ones, friends and colleagues at this extremely tragic time."

The police, fire and crime commissioner for Staffordshire, Ben Adams, wrote on the same platform: "Many in fire and rescue saw Wayne as a role model. He broke new ground and championed everything at his best in the service."

The Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, Paulette Hamilton, added on X: "He was an inspirational leader and will be missed."

Mr Brown spent 27 years in London Fire Brigade rising to the role of assistant commissioner.

Andy Roe, from the brigade, said: "Wayne was a valued and respected colleague."