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In a surprising turn of events, the candidate to take on the role of Chief Fire Officer for the troubled West Midlands Fire Service has withdrawn his acceptance and decided to remain as chief of neighbouring Warwickshire.
On Friday 8 November, West Midlands Fire Authority said that Ben Brook had accepted its offer to become Chief Fire Officer subject to ratification by the Authority later this month.
Today, Ben Brook wrote to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service staff to say he was not leaving and he apologised for the disruption and uncertainty, adding: “Please be assured of my total commitment to you and my service.”
Explaining his change of heart, he said that we was never looking to leave Warwickshire.
“I was interested because of my position here and previous relationship with the West Midlands. When I reflected on the situation once the process was complete, it became clear to me that I want to stay where my heart is – here in Warwickshire. There is still much to do and I want to be part of that.”
CFO Ben Brook.
The appointment was due to be ratified at the Fire Authority meeting on 25 November.
In a statement from West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, the Vice-Chair Cllr Catherine Miks confirmed that Brook would not move to take up the chief role in the West Mids, adding that she respected his decision and wished him well.
Six candidates applied for the role and Miks said that the field was exceptional and the Authority would be working on the next steps to appoint another candidate.
“I completely understand that after an unsettling period, some stability was welcome news and this development is not ideal for our staff – but as has been said before, the work to protect the three million people of the West Midlands has never wavered, faltered or diminished, and I am enormously proud and grateful to the Service for their continued efforts.”
Cllr Catherine Miks, Vice-Chair, West Midlands Fire Service
More detail on the decision to appoint Ben Brook can be found in this news story from Friday: West Mids selects one of its own to return and lead the fire service.
Read more about the background to this story: Dysfunction grows in West Mids as fire chief issues vote of no confidence in fire authority and ‘We are one team’ says new West Midlands fire chief as he speaks about his first seven weeks in post.
