Summary
An inquest revealed that Wayne Brown, a chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service, took his own life after alleged harassment and scrutiny over his qualifications. It was discovered that he had falsely stated completing an MBA, leading to an investigation shortly before his death.
Key Facts
- Wayne Brown was a chief fire officer at West Midlands Fire Service.
- He was found dead at his home in Birmingham in January 2024.
- There were allegations that he had lied on his resume about finishing an MBA.
- An internal investigation was launched at the fire service into these claims.
- Brown's partner said national media attention was a critical stress point for him.
- He was described as a private individual who did not seek offered support.
- A coroner determined his cause of death as suicide.
- Concerns were raised about the fire service’s lack of mental health support for senior staff.
