Such a waste of a good young man's life, so sorry for his family and friends

Wayne, I truly don't know how to write this and it breaks my heart to have to do it. I knew you pretty much my whole LFB career but I really got to know you when we were on a 18 month long course together. We had some amazing times, full of laughter and fun, you became more than just a colleague, you were from then on a friend. You were someone I could always go to if I just wanted a straight answer, you would always tell me how it was but would also lend support whenever I needed it. You also persuaded me to come and work at Wimbledon for a week, again I had a great time and I'm so pleased I've got those memories to cherish. You were an absolute one off and I will forever miss you, rest in peace my friend xxxx

I met Wayne early one morning on his first day at West Midls. He was hovering by the entrance in the underground garage at HQ and although he looked slightly familiar, I couldn’t place him immediately. he was dressed in a tracksuit and I couldn’t see a security pass. Scanning him up and down, I asked where he was trying to access, he responded, ‘I’m looking for the gym’. He laughed as he watched me obviously trying to identify him then showed me his pass and said he was glad West Mids took security seriously, not just letting anyone into the building. It then dawned on me that he was our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer. I laughed and apologised, sheepishly offering to escort him to the gym. He was not offended at all, just smiling, chatty and excited to be in the West Mids. By the time I left him, he had made a great first impression on me. He seemed approachable, open, caring - just a genuinely nice person… as time passed I realised he was so much more…



Wayne made a huge difference to people’s lives, not just at WMFS. He supported, coached and mentored so many over the years. I asked him once where on earth he found the time, he just laughed and said, ‘you know me Sonski, I just make it work!’. He had that way about him with people, shortening names, calling people 'mate' and remembering small details people shared with him showing he really listened and cared. He had warm energy, a kind heart, vibrant personality and a great laugh. He was someone people liked to be around, he encouraged and influenced others to ‘aim high’ and be the best they could be. I am proud to have known him, along with so many others.



Wayne is now laid to rest, he is gone but will not be forgotten. He was one of a kind, a true leader, advocate for the under-represented and promoter of people. He leaves a lasting legacy and will be sadly missed by so many.



RIP Wayne - you ‘100%’ made your mark ‘Exactly’ as you set out to do.. X

I was incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Wayne Brown. I have had the pleasure of working with him closely, in various roles, over the last 4 years.

As well as being Chief Fire Officer, Wayne also Chaired the West Midlands Resilience Forum. He has been instrumental in driving forward the WM LRF; he will be hugely missed for his professionalism, dedication, warmth and friendship.



My thoughts go to Wayne’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

I first met Wayne and his wife Lisa when our boys started primary school, Kai and Charlie soon became the best of friends as did myself and Lisa. As the boys grew and their friendship group developed LTD Football team was created and what a team it was. Coached by Steve and yourself Wayne ,I can't tell you what good memories were installed in the boys around that time, sitting together listening to their stories these past weeks since you left us only goes to prove what an influential figure you have been to them all, priceless memories that keep them so strongly bonded together today. kai will forever be surrounded and lifted by them, his boys forever.

We shared many good times as the boys were growing up, the obligatory football tours, although Haven Holiday camp was never really your style, they provided many good memories of the boys having a blast together, the funniest being Kai rollerskating like Bambi on ice x

A family trip to my brother in laws place on Lake Como had you sweating beside that pool, as there was no way you were putting one of those compulsory swimming hats on, no, far too cool and sharp for that, plus you knew id have to get photo evidence lol, one of the many, many times over the years i'd get 'THE LOOK' followed by JULIE ! when my naughty side came out lol. Good times and memories our families once all shared together x

On Friday we said our final goodbyes and what a sad day it was, although so very fitting with the much deserved and beautiful full hounours service. I for one, in all the time I knew you didn't realise until that day, the immense involvement and positive caring impact you have had on so many many people.The stories being told by so many on Friday spoke volumes about your professionalism and high standards along with your dedication and the hard work it took for you to achieve what you did within the Fire Brigade.The cathedral was full of love, respect and admiration for you Wayne from a very wide sector. I also can't tell you how proud we were of Kai that day. He held himself so well, grieved and let his emotions go but gathered himself to deliver the most beautiful tribute to you Wayne, and it was at that point I saw in him everything you have installed in him and I can only say, well done 'HE Is His Fathers Son' and you would have been so very proud of him.

Rest peacefully Wayne x You have my word that we will forever be there for Kai and Lisa.

thanks for your service rip now bye bye . from the lee famley sandwell westmidlands.

My thoughts are with Wayne's family, who must be going through an inconceivable painful experience as a result of the death of such an amazing man. Will never be forgotten.



Wayne was an inspirational leader who made time for all colleagues across the service; a model professional who can only be acknowledged as one of those one in a lifetime type of guys, we shall miss you, Chief.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Wayne Brown. Wayne inspired and touched the lives of so many people, including colleagues across the resilience community in London, West Midlands, and beyond. Wayne earned our respect and admiration, and made an immeasurable difference both to people and to the services we deliver on behalf of the public.



I will remember Wayne for his compassionate leadership and professionalism, and try humbly to emulate even some of his values, high standards and qualities in how I live my own life.



It was my absolute privilege to attend the celebration of Wayne's life at Southwark Cathedral on Friday 1st March. A most fitting celebration, which affected me emotionally and inspired me in equal measure.



On behalf of everyone at London Resilience Group, please accept our deepest sympathies.

My sincere condolences to family and friends. It seems like only yesterday that I had the pleasure of meeting Wayne on a visit to Merseyside as part of the MFRS Black History Month celebrations and he certainly made an impression on me, I know his legacy will live on both in his family and within the fire service, his contribution to public life and duty can not be underestimated. RIP Sir and god bless.

To Wayne’s family:

I only met Wayne twice, but such was his impact on me, that I invited him to speak at a policing leadership event. He made a stunning impression on the Black and Asian police staff and officers there, and is greatly missed. Our condolences to you all ?

To my good friend Wayne,

I think you knew how many people you inspired from family to friends, your time with us was your gift. Along with the ability to make people feel listened to and heard.



I'm proud to call you my friend, I will always have a special memory of our times together. Rest now with peace & dignity and may you always follow the sun...

Until I see you again my friend,

Cruise!

R.I.P Wayne,

A heartfelt thanks for all the work that you did and for the devotion to duty and for helping so many people.



My condolences are extended to all of Wayne's family and friends at this sad time. God bless

Words cannot express the disbelief of Wayne’s passing, even now.

My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

An inspirational leader and role model.

Rest in loving peace Wayne.

Wayne, you were always so warm, welcoming, friendly and encouraging to me. Even after I left my role in the Fire Industry you kept in touch and helped me to pursue my next role. I am so, so sad to hear of your passing, you were, and are, wonderful. Sending all my love to your family and friends. A true gent xxxx

You supported me and inspired me so much mate, I'll always be grateful and you'll never be forgotton.

My thoughts are with Wayne's family, who must be going through an inconceivable painful experience as a result of the death of such an amazing man. I still have not fully processed his passing, but know he will never be forgotten.



The sad thing is, it's only after Wayne's passing we now start to truly appreciate how special he was and begin to understand the level of time and dedication it must have taken him to wake up every day, to overcome the many obstacles he faced, just so he could do him (with his very very high standards) to deliver on his objectives of People, Passion and Pride.



Wayne was an inspirational leader who made time for all colleagues across the service; a model professional who can only be acknowledged as one of those one in a lifetime type of guys, we shall miss you, Chief.

Wherever you may be, be at peace. From an old F21 colleague.

Wayne was an inspirational man who did so much for equality and. Diversity. . He will be missed by all . My condolences to his family.

I met Wayne when I worked in the Finance Department at WMFS before moving to Staffordshire Police, on the few occasions I had contact with him, he would greet you with a big smile & a big hello.



Extremely sad news, I'm glad I had the pleasure of meeting him.

Wayne, you were a warm and thoughtful person. You always had time for a quick chat. You will be so sadly missed. Thank you for the short time I had with you. Know that you had a positive effect on the people you met, and that will never change, and will never be forgotten.

You will be missed.



Thank you for your support and friendship.



May your family have the strength and peace to ovecome this huge loss.



Rest in Peace and Power Wayne

I can't imagine the pain yourself, your family and friends are going through.



I only met you for the first time a few days before your passing and very briefly but Anton speaks highly of you.



Thank you for LONG dedicated service to the Fire Service and we all hope you rest in eternal peace.

Wayne you were like a big brother personally and Professionally. Your genuine care and love to see me succeed in life was real and genuine. You played a huge role in every promotion I achieved in the LFB and later on when I started my own business your belief in me at a really difficult period was huge in helping me to overcome obstacles and achieve success in business. Words cannot describe the sadness and loss but only time and God’s grace will heal. Our prayers go out to Lisa , Kai, Mia and the rest of your family. We will continue to keep them in our prayers and thoughts. Miss you big bro, rest in peace Wayney .. from the Rivers Family

Wayne was our neighbour for many years, our kids played with Kai, Zack and Xavier attended school with Kai.

Wayne’s presence on the close where we lived was more than just a neighbour. He never passed us by with out a wave or a smile, he always stopped to say hello, with the wonderful south London voice, with a stature of a man doing great things, helping those in urgent need and representing a community with a calm unassuming and gentle focus.

He made you instantly at ease, always interested in you and always interesting.

When, as you, as we did move home, we didn’t see as much of Wayne, but when parents evening came around he was there and always ready to say hello and catch up with that amazing smile and sparkle.

Wayne was one of the good guys, a decent man, with a smile that you could not help but warmed by.

With his passing we should all remember to replicate his smile, his warmth and his decency which we all enjoyed.

Rest in peace Wayne, always in our memories and hearts

Wow Wayne when I hear this it brought all types of memories to the forefront, I remember you coming to see me leaning on the door and saying I need work that fits in with my training and focus to join the fire brigade, oh heck I thought there’s this cheeky chap wanting work and actually I can help and that’s what I did, you worked whilst aspiring to join the brigade, I made sure you had shifts that fitted around this. What I’m saying is that you made such a lasting impression on so many people that you hadn’t realised you had me being one of those, may you rest in peace Mr B x