West Midlands Fire Service

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is pleased to announce that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Simon Tuhill, has been appointed as Chief Fire Officer. Following the decision by CFO Brook to remain in Warwickshire, and after an extremely competitive selection process, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority approached DCFO Tuhill, who was delighted that the opportunity had re-emerged and had no hesitation in accepting the role. DCFO Tuhill said: “It is an honour to take on the leadership mantle of West Midlands Fire Service – truly, too good to turn down. The opportunity to lead, manage and develop a service so dedicated to protecting the West Midlands is very special and I am so pleased to be accept this opportunity. “WMFS has an excellent reputation for its prevention, protection and response capabilities and it will be a privilege to walk through the door as the Chief Fire Officer for the first time. “I know how hard staff have worked in difficult circumstances throughout 2024. Their passion and commitment has been incredible to see, and I am looking forward to coming in and giving them the opportunity to do what they do best. “I feel I am well placed to lead the service through this current period of uncertainty. I commit to always keeping our staff at the heart of my decision making, because the people who work for WMFS, and their dedication, are what make it special. “I'm so excited to work in such a diverse and vibrant place as the West Midlands. Having been based in similar diverse parts of our capital city during my time in the London Fire Brigade, I know how important the fire service is in helping keep the most vulnerable in society safe, and the special connection we have with our communities is something I cherish and will continue to champion. “I know there are a range of challenges facing the service in the coming months, I look forward to working with the Home Office and Local Government Association to help improve oversight and scrutiny”. Read more: https://wmfs.link/3VfgLtJ

📆 Date for your diaries! 🎄 Our much anticipated annual Christmas Carol Concert, kindly hosted by St Martins in the Bull Ring, is being held on Sunday 8 December. It's a free event, doors open from 4pm, concert starts at 4.30pm. Find out more, and RSVP for free reminders, on our website: https://wmfs.link/4hAVT9B

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Brook as Chief Fire Officer. Ben joins West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. In a strong field of candidates, Ben impressed with his knowledge and experience of the fire and rescue sector and ability to drive change and instil a common purpose among the staff. CFO Ben Brook said: “I am delighted and honoured to return to where my career began, and enormously privileged to be the new Chief Fire Officer. I am so grateful to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, who put their trust in me firstly as Assistant Chief Fire Officer and then as Chief Fire Officer. I leave with a gracious and heavy heart. “My experiences at both Warwickshire and West Midlands Fire Services have shaped how I lead people and protect communities. We share the mission of protecting and saving lives, and our firefighters take that exceptional duty seriously and compassionately. “There will be much to do: while this is familiar territory, a lot has changed, but I feel with the staff, facilities and aspirations we have, we can continue to contribute as a crucial part of our West Midlands communities.” Having started his career as a Firefighter in the West Midlands in 2001, Ben progressed through the service through various roles including Area Manager for Response and Interim ACFO with responsibility for culture. Nationally Ben has served as first National Fire Chiefs Council lead for the Fire Sector Federation, drawing on his experience in fire safety, and then since 2021 as NFCC lead for Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability. Ben holds the Level 7 Skills for Justice award in Strategic Incident Command in the Fire and Rescue Service, as well as a Level 7 certificate in Business Administration from Arden University. Read more: https://wmfs.link/48F5mZy

🚒 Join our team as a trainer! 🚒 We’re looking for a dedicated Trainer to join West Midlands Fire Service at our Oldbury Training Facility. This permanent role offers a unique opportunity to deliver vital fire safety training across the West Midlands and beyond, helping us make the region safer, stronger, and healthier. Key details: 💼 Salary: £33,024 - £34,834 🕒 Hours: Full-time and part-time applications welcomed 📅 Closing Date: Sunday 24 November 2024 at 12:00 📍 Location: Oldbury with travel across the UK (2 nights away per month) As part of our well-established training team, you’ll deliver a variety of fire safety courses to organisations both locally and nationwide. Training covers topics like fire marshal, fire extinguisher, and EVAC chair usage, along with advanced courses in disaster response. We’re looking for: ✅ strong presentation skills and an ability to engage with diverse audiences ✅ self-motivation, independence, and teamwork skills ✅ basic health and safety knowledge ✅ physical fitness for fire demonstrations and handling equipment This role includes excellent benefits, from on-site gym facilities to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and blue light discounts. To learn more and apply, visit our jobs portal 👉 https://wmfs.link/3AtbBCY #HiringNow #Trainer #WMFS #FireSafety

West Midlands Fire Service is proud to celebrate the career and legacy of Sam Samuels, our first Black female firefighter and a champion of inclusion. Starting as a junior firefighter at 16, Sam rose through the ranks to Operations Group Commander for Black Country North. Her dedication to promoting inclusivity has made a lasting impact, especially for under-represented groups and communities. Reflecting on her journey, Sam hopes to be remembered for her empathy, resilience, and dedication to making WMFS a more inclusive environment. Her final duty before retirement will be representing the service at the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday. Explore her story, insights, and Black History Month interview on our website: https://lnkd.in/e7GsPhuz #InclusionInAction #DiversityChampion #FireService #ThankYouSam

🚨 Sprinklers save lives and protect property! 🚨 Sprinkler systems – or Automatic Fire Suppression Systems – are powerful tools in fire safety. Here’s why they matter: ✅ highly reliable – Sprinklers work in 94% of cases and control or put out fires in 99% of cases ✅ lifesaving – They give people more time to escape and help reduce fire spread ✅ cost-effective – Installing sprinklers can save thousands in property damage, and often lower insurance costs ✅ better for the environment – They use much less water than firefighting hoses, minimising water damage. Did you know? Only the sprinkler closest to a fire will activate – a myth buster! Want to learn more? Visit our website: https://wmfs.link/3YyOZJi #SprinklersSaveLives #FireSafety #ProtectYourBusiness

📢 Join our team! Administrator – Occupational Health vacancy 📢 Are you a detail-oriented administrator with strong communication skills and a passion for customer service? West Midlands Fire Service is looking for a full-time Administrator to join our Occupational Health Team at Fire Service Headquarters in Birmingham. As an Administrator, you’ll be integral in supporting our Occupational Health Unit by managing clinic appointments, handling reception duties, and assisting our clinical staff. This role is essential for keeping our operations running smoothly and is on-site, covering clinic hours from 9am, Monday to Friday. Key benefits: ✅ £25,119 annual salary ✅ 37-hour work week ✅ flexible working options ✅ free, on-site gym and parking ✅ access to a range of wellbeing programmes and support resources This role offers the chance to work within a supportive team, with access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, blue light discounts, and more. 📅 Apply before 10 November 2024 at 23:59 Take the next step in your career with WMFS! To apply, visit our job portal 👉 https://wmfs.link/4hO3Ybl #Recruitment #JoinOurTeam #WMFS #BirminghamJobs

We’re proud to recognise Tom Alexander, who performed a heroic triple dog rescue during a house fire in Halesowen 🐶 🚒🔥 Back in August while at home, Tom heard a commotion and spotted the fire on Margaret Avenue. Making the quick journey just four doors down, without hesitation, he entered the property and rescued three dogs, before extinguishing the fire and isolating the electrics to prevent any further damage. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Stanton presented Tom with a Certificate of Meritorious Action at Haden Cross Fire Station last week, and was joined by firefighters who also attended the incident. Everyone at WMFS recognises Tom's incredible bravery, and courageous act of community spirit. Read more here: https://wmfs.link/3Atd1O0 #Bravery #CommunityHeroes #Recognition #WMFS

UPDATE: Road closures Wednesbury flooding - Black Country New Rd >Jnc Steel Roundabout & Park. Leabrook Rd at Jnc of Park Roundabout. Leabrook Rd at Jnc of Pacific Avenue. Leabrook Rd at Jnc of Callear Rd. Leabrook Rd at Jnc of Willingsworth Rd. Black Country New Rd >Gt Bridge.

We're working with multi agency partners to remove the standing water at the flooding in Wednesbury. Please avoid the area and drive safely. Roads impacted are as follows: Leabrook Rd, Leabrook Rd North, Banister Rd, Black Country New Rd, junction of Leabrook Rd & Great Bridge.