Your monthly newsletter from West Midlands Fire Service

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (WMFRA) has agreed plans for a two-phase public consultation to help shape how West Midlands Fire Service delivers its services in the years ahead.

Phase I will begin in January 2026 with an eight-week pre-consultation. We’ll explain the challenges we face and gather early views on our proposed direction.

Phase II will follow later in 2026, presenting detailed options for how our services could be delivered in the future, with public feedback helping to shape priorities around safety, resources, training, equipment, and the modernisation of our estate.

Details of how you can take part will be published in January 2026, and will be included in future WMNow updates.
 

Throughout October, we’re proud to celebrate Black History Month - honouring the history, legacy, and contributions of Black staff, past and present, for their service to our diverse communities.

This year, colleagues from across the brigade will share stories about the people who inspire them, and how those influences shape their work and lives today.

Our first story comes from Crew Commander Stephanie Henry, who chose Katherine Johnson - a trailblazing mathematician and one of the first African-American women to work as a scientist at NASA.

Katherine’s calculations were critical to the success of the first American spaceflights. Despite facing discrimination and barriers, her brilliance and perseverance paved the way for many in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Stephanie said: “Katherine Johnson inspires me because she broke barriers in a field where people like her were overlooked, proving that determination and faith can push past any limit.”

These stories can be found across our social media pages throughout October.
 

Operation Spotlight, a national campaign coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), runs from 22 September to 5 October, focusing on young driver safety.

The campaign highlights some of the leading causes of fatal crashes among 17–24 year olds:

• driving with limited experience
• driving late at night
• distractions from peers

It encourages young drivers to talk openly about these risks and how to reduce them.

Here at WMFS, Dudley Fire Station has been proactive in running Young Driver Awareness Courses, designed to highlight the dangers of risky behaviours behind the wheel. The sessions use interactive activities to educate young drivers about the consequences when things go wrong, and have received excellent feedback.

The project is led by Crew Commander Paul Harper, who responded to a crash involving his own son two years ago. Thankfully, his son made a full recovery, and Paul has been working tirelessly with his watch to change behaviours and keep young drivers safe.
 

With the new school term underway and darker mornings and evenings drawing in, here are a few safety reminders for commuting children and young people:

Be aware of your surroundings – remove headphones when crossing roads.

Wear a helmet if you’re cycling – safety first!

Be bright, be seen – fluorescent or reflective clothing helps drivers spot you.
 

This week, we shared how one of our bleed kit training sessions in Birmingham made a difference far beyond the West Midlands.

Construction worker Tony Quinn attended a WMFS-led course earlier this year. Weeks later, while on a cruise, he used those skills to save a life after another passenger suffered a traumatic arterial bleed.

Tony’s calm actions - using his belt as a makeshift tourniquet until medics arrived - highlighted the value of the workshops, which are supported by Colmore Business District, and The Daniel Baird Foundation, who supply bleed kits around the city. 

Well done to Tony, and to the Ladywood crew who delivered the session, including Watch Commander Russell Edwards, pictured.
 

And finally, we recently celebrated colleagues who received their Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and Awards at an event held at our headquarters.

The ceremony was hosted by Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill, with His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Group Captain Ian Sargeant OBE, in attendance.

Huge congratulations to all recipients of the 20-year medals and 30-year awards, a proud recognition of your dedication and service.