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IN REMEMBRANCE

Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown
Chief Fire Officer

Wayne Brown

January 19 1970 to January 24 2024

Dates of service

November 2019
to
January 2024

The love and prayers of countless people are with Wayne’s family at this desperately sad time.

His death has devastated so many friends and colleagues.

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.

Please take comfort from leaving a personal message, or by reading those of others.

Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown

Chief Fire Officer

Wayne Brown

19 January 1970 - 24 January 2024

Dates of service

November 2019 to January 2024

Serving locations

London Fire Brigade - Joined in June 1992 - Rising to Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Deputy Chief Fire Officer - West Midlands Fire Service
Temporary Chief Fire Officer - West Midlands Fire Service
Chief Fire Officer - West Midlands Fire Service
A JustGiving page has been set up in Wayne's memory, with funds going to The Fire Fighters Charity. Please visit the link below if you'd like to make a donation.
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The love and prayers of countless people are with Wayne’s family at this desperately sad time.

His death has devastated so many friends and colleagues.

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.

Please take comfort from leaving a personal message, or by reading those of others.

Messages of condolence

Add your own message of condolence
Wayne's family

Our Beloved Wayne,
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.
The special years will not return when we are all together.
But with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever.

Kai Brown

Dad,

Words can’t describe how hard this is and how much pain I’m feeling. I love you and miss you so much already. From teaching me how to ride a bike, playing football to driving a car, you’ve always been there for me. This is deeper than anything and I want to live your legacy on as, you were a pure inspiration to me and everyone in the world and I will make you proud I promise.

You worked so hard for everything and I have always and will always look up to you. You will never know how grateful I am for having you in my life and I will carry you in my heart everywhere I go. Most of my life decisions were run through you as you always knew what was best for me. You made me fall in love with football and I will try my hardest to keep striving for more with the advice you’ve given me. You were the best dad in the world and I will now look after Mia and make sure she remembers how much of a hero her dad was. I got you for life dad, best friend, teacher, mentor, agent and many more to me.

This Is Your World And Your Legacy- The First Black Chief Fire Officer. No more words other than I love you so much Dad, Rest Easy. ❤️❤️❤️?️?️?️

Joy Johnson

Rest in Peace Wayne, may your troubled soul find peace.

You were clearly a very talented individual, and that made some people uncomfortable.

You definitely went too soon.

Blessings, and may the Lord forgive all your sins.

x

Helen McCutcheon
From
West Midlands Fire Service
It's taken me a while to be able to write this as it still doesn't feel real that Wayne has left us. My love and thoughts continue to be with Wayne's family and loved ones.



I first met Wayne just before he came to WMFS, as Deputy Chief Fire Officer, in November 2019. He was extremely smart, super friendly and greeted me with a warm, friendly smile. I was really nervous to meet my new boss and hoped I would meet his expectations.



We quickly developed a great working relationship, shortening my name to 'H' and more recently a slight variation to 'H-eee'.



I soon became aware of Wayne's extremely high standards in everything he did and he certainly kept me on my toes.



Most of the time everything went really smoothly but there was the odd hiccup like the conference hotel of doom in Copenhagen I booked him into which had a bathroom in the bedroom and the ironing room which was actually a toilet in the basement. Wayne was horrified and I was mortified!



I was truly honoured when Wayne asked me to remain by his side as his Personal Assistant when he was promoted to Chief Fire Officer. Always so energetic, Wayne wanted to be involved in everything he could and in addition, he always took time to provided support to many, through mentoring and went 'on tour' during Black History Month, speaking at various events throughout the country.



The last 4 years with Wayne have been the best of my career. Wayne leaves a huge void, I miss him terribly. WMFS will never be the same but Wayne will always be remembered.



Rest easy Wayne.



Love

Helen (H-eee)

xxx
ANITA WOODALL
Such a waste of a good young man's life, so sorry for his family and friends
Rachel Wetheri
From
London Fire Brigade
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
Sonia
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
Steve Vincent
From
Local Resilience Forum
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.
julie power
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.
dave lee
thanks for your service rip now bye bye . from the lee famley sandwell westmidlands.
Harvinder Kumar
From
WMFS
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.
Toby Gould
From
London Resilience Group
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.
Dawn Devanna
From
Merseyside Police
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.
Tola Munro
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 💔
Paul Osborne
From
London Fire Brigade
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!
Kirstan Muskett
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
Vina Parmar
From
WMFS
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.
Suzy O'Connor
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
Spencer
You supported me and inspired me so much mate, I'll always be grateful and you'll never be forgotton.
David Brown
From
WMFS
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.
Rick Plummer
From
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Wherever you may be, be at peace. From an old F21 colleague.
Cllr Jasbinder Dehar
From
Wolverhampton City Council
Wayne was an inspirational man who did so much for equality and. Diversity. . He will be missed by all . My condolences to his family.
Owen MacMillan
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.
Pete Richardson
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
Chanelle S
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.
Seymour Rivers
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
Peter,Lisa,Simone,Zack and Xavier Tsouroulla
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

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