- Inquest into the death of Wayne Brown will take place next March without a jury
- The 54-year-old was found dead in January 2024 amid allegations against him
- For help call Samaritans for free on 116123 or visit Samaritans.org
An inquest into the death of a fire chief, who was found dead at home amid claims he lied about having a masters degree and playing for Charlton Athletic, will take place without a jury next March.
Wayne Brown, who was hired as chief of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority last year, will be the subject of a full inquest and will include a pen portrait tribute to the 54-year-old, a pre-inquest review at Birmingham Coroner’s Court was told.
Three family members attended on Tuesday in person, while others watched the proceedings via video link.
Police have said they are not treating the death of Mr Brown – who was found dead at his home on January 24 – as suspicious.
As well as submissions from barristers representing the fire service and West Midlands Police, the court was addressed by a lawyer representing a man who is facing criminal proceedings over alleged harassment of Mr Brown.
An inquest into the death of West Midlands fire chief Wayne Brown will take place without a jury next March
Police have said they are not treating the death of Mr Brown – who was found dead at his home on January 24 – as suspicious. Pictured: Brown winning an award for ‘Most Influential BAME Individual in Fire’
Firefighters from across the UK gathered in March to bid a final farewell to Wayne Brown
Mr Brown was part of the London Fire Brigade for 27 years until switching to the West Midlands service in 2019. Pictured: Former colleagues bid farewell at his funeral held in March
Senior Coroner Louise Hunt heard a brief submission from the partner of Mr Brown, who said she had spoken to him throughout January 23 and messaged him, and he had seemed ‘very, very low’.
Before adjourning the hearing until March 10, Mrs Hunt urged the media to consider carefully how best to report details of the inquest given ‘the sensitive nature of this case’.
The coroner, who said the inquest would consider where, when and how Mr Brown died, told family members: ‘I understand this is an incredibly difficult process for you as a family.’
In a statement issued before Mr Brown’s death, West Midlands Fire Service said it was ‘aware of claims referencing our chief fire officer’ and that formal inquiries and processes, in line with our fire authority’s constitution, were ongoing in relation to the matters raised.
Mr Brown was part of the London Fire Brigade for 27 years until switching to the West Midlands service in 2019.
He had attended some of the UK’s ‘most significant operational incidents’, including London terrorist attacks and the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, according to the fire service.
The firefighter had impressed superiors with his Master of Business Administration degree from London South Bank University when applying for his job.
But an investigation was launched after his alleged alma mater said it had no record of his degree, with the fire chief removing them from his LinkedIn account shortly afterwards.
Concerns were also raised by colleagues who said Brown had claimed to have been a former professional footballer for Charlton Athletic.
The opening of the funeral was set to the haunting song Nimrod, and later the London Fire Brigade choir sang Amazing Grace
Mourners are seen gathered outside of Southwark Cathedral, where the ceremony took place
It has since been revealed that he played as part of the youth training scheme at the club and not in the pro division.
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority confirmed Mr Brown had been found dead at his home shortly after the allegations came into the public eye.
In a tribute video posted by West Midlands Fire Service, firefighters and other staff stood solemnly outside the station and fire trucks.
A solemn voice-over says: ‘You had the ability to connect, and be relatable to everyone. You always had time for people.
‘You embodied people, professionalism and pride, which will forever by synonymous with you in our service. You were a true inspiration. Absolutely one of a kind.
‘The world was a better place with you in it. You will never be forgotten.’
Wayne Brown pictured with his wife, Lisa, was described as a ‘respected and valued colleague’
A virtual book of condolences and a fundraiser were also launched by the fire service.
A statement by Mr Brown’s family read: ‘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.’
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority announced Mr Brown’s death in January
A letter by Kai, Mr Brown’s son, read: ‘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.’
London Fire Brigade also posted a tribute to Mr Brown from Fire Commissioner Andy Roe, saying: ‘Wayne was a valued and respected colleague in the brigade for over 20 years before joining West Midlands FRS. Our thoughts go out to Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time.’
Mr Brown claimed he played for Charlton Athletic, but it was later revealed he only played as part of the youth training scheme. Pictured: The football club’s stadium, The Valley
West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority previously said Mr Brown ‘has attended some of the UK’s most significant operational incidents, including London terrorist attacks and the devastating Grenfell Tower fire’.
For help call Samaritans for free on 116123 or visit Samaritans.org