The West Midlands Fire Authority has appointed Ben Brook as the new Chief Fire Officer (CFO) for the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS), bringing a familiar face back to lead one of the UK’s largest fire services. Brook, who has been serving as the Chief Fire Officer in Warwickshire since 2021, returns to the service where he previously held the role of Assistant Chief.

Brook’s appointment, pending confirmation at a meeting on November 25, follows a challenging period for WMFS, which has faced leadership instability since the departure of interim chief Oliver Lee last month. Lee left after a public clash with the Fire Authority, issuing a vote of no confidence in its political leadership. The Authority’s Chair also resigned shortly after, following revelations of false claims about his military background.

After beginning his fire service career in 2001, Brook rose through the ranks at WMFS, achieving the role of Assistant Chief in 2019 before moving to Warwickshire. His return marks a new chapter for the service, which has been under scrutiny from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). In October, HMICFRS expressed concern about governance issues and requested an inspection of the service’s leadership dynamics.

Brook reflected on his journey and vision for the service, saying, “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 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.”

Acting Chair of the West Midlands Fire Authority, Councillor Catherine Mika, expressed confidence in Brook’s appointment: “Ben put forward an exciting vision of how he will run WMFS. It has been a turbulent year, but the panel was confident this was someone who could lead the service into the future. We look forward to the positive steps we will take together to ensure the confidence and happiness of our staff and the safety of the three million people WMFS is proud and privileged to protect.”

A date for Brook’s official start in the role has yet to be announced.