West Midlands Chief Fire took his own life after alleged harassment

The Senior Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull has concluded that Wayne Brown, the Chief Fire Officer for West Midlands Fire Service, died by suicide in January 2024. Mr Brown had reported to West Midlands Police that he was the victim of a campaign of harassment. A man was charged and was awaiting trial at the time of Mr Brown’s death. Those criminal proceedings were subsequently discontinued.

It had been alleged that Mr Brown had lied about holding an MBA (Master of Business Administration) qualification. The West Midlands Fire Service had commenced an internal investigation shortly before Mr Brown’s death.

Mr Brown was the UK’s first Black fire chief, having risen through the ranks.

The inquest has been reported in the media including by the BBC; Guardian; and Birmingham Mail.

Jonathan Dixey acted for the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.