TOUCHING tributes have been paid to West Midlands chief fire officer who died last week.
Wayne Brown was found dead at his home on January 24, Greg Brackenridge, chair of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service (WMFS) said.
He added the death is not being treated as suspicious by West Midlands Police.
An online book of remembrance has been launched by West Midlands Fire and Rescue and hundreds of hear-felt messages have been left from friends, colleagues and residents from across the region.
Wayne’s family opened the book on the website.
They said: “Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same.
“We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name sad, are the hearts that love you.
“Silent are the tears that fall living without you is the hardest part of all.
“You did so many things for us. You’re heart was so kind and when we needed someone We could always count on you.”
Wayne started his firefighting career in 1992 at London Fire Brigade where he rose to deputy assistant commissioner.
On X, formerly Twitter, Andy Roe, London Fire commissioner, wrote: “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 WMFS.
“Our thoughts go out to Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
He then moved to WMFS where he was deputy chief fire officer, temporary chief fire officer before becoming chief fire officer last year.
Paying tribute on the online book to Wayne WMFS wrote: “Wayne touched so many people’s lives in so many different ways – during his lengthy service with London Fire Brigade, with West Midlands Fire Service, across the UK and international fire and rescue sector, in his public life and beyond.
“Widely-respected as the UK’s first black chief fire officer, his contributions in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion were immeasurable.
“Wayne approached everything he did with standards that were simultaneously high and inspirational.”
Barri Dhillon who worked with Wayne at WMFS wrote: “Serving under you was a huge privilege and one I will always carry.
“You were a source of inspiration from your operational expertise to your interpersonal skills.
“You were a true leader and one that will be dearly missed.
“Knowing you as a person, you were funny and such a source of positive spirit.
“It was the worst sadness when I got that phone call. Wayne, God needed you more.
“You made changes which only one could have dreamed of doing, and I know you’ll make those changes in heaven.”
