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IN REMEMBRANCE

Station Commander Simon Wheatley
Station Manager

Simon Wheatley

June 7 1975 to May 8 2023

Dates of service

May 1999
to
May 2023

It was with deep sadness that we learned of the sudden death on 8 May 2023 of our colleague, Simon Wheatley.

Simon, who was 47, had been Station Manager at Haden Cross Fire Station since December 2021.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are very much with Simon’s family, and everyone who loved and knew him, at this devastating time.

Simon joined West Midlands Fire Service as a new recruit in May 1999. After his initial training he took up his first posting as a Firefighter, at Ward End fire station in Birmingham.

In 2001, he was one of two firefighters who received a Certificate of Congratulations from the Chief Fire Officer. Their professionalism and teamwork resulted in the successful rescue of a five-year-old boy from a severe house fire.

He went on to serve as Leading Firefighter, Sub Officer and Crew Commander at West Bromwich, at our training centre, Smethwick and Tipton.

He became a Watch Commander in May 2009 and served in training roles until December 2010, followed by further station postings at Smethwick, Tipton and Wolverhampton.

He took charge of Smethwick fire station in May 2021, before continuing his Station Manager career with a move to Haden Cross the following December.

Simon made many friends throughout West Midlands Fire Service, and was much-respected for his operational expertise.

He received his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 2022. Many people, across several West Midlands communities, are today safer thanks to his 24 years of service.

If you would like to share memories of Simon, or express your condolences to his family, please do so here.

Station Commander Simon Wheatley

Station Manager

Simon Wheatley

7 June 1975 - 8 May 2023

Dates of service

May 1999 to May 2023

Serving locations

Ward End Fire Station
West Bromwich Fire Station
Brigade Training Centre
Smethwick Fire Station
Tipton Fire Station
Wolverhampton Fire Station
Haden Cross Fire Station

It was with deep sadness that we learned of the sudden death on 8 May 2023 of our colleague, Simon Wheatley.

Simon, who was 47, had been Station Manager at Haden Cross Fire Station since December 2021.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are very much with Simon’s family, and everyone who loved and knew him, at this devastating time.

Simon joined West Midlands Fire Service as a new recruit in May 1999. After his initial training he took up his first posting as a Firefighter, at Ward End fire station in Birmingham.

In 2001, he was one of two firefighters who received a Certificate of Congratulations from the Chief Fire Officer. Their professionalism and teamwork resulted in the successful rescue of a five-year-old boy from a severe house fire.

He went on to serve as Leading Firefighter, Sub Officer and Crew Commander at West Bromwich, at our training centre, Smethwick and Tipton.

He became a Watch Commander in May 2009 and served in training roles until December 2010, followed by further station postings at Smethwick, Tipton and Wolverhampton.

He took charge of Smethwick fire station in May 2021, before continuing his Station Manager career with a move to Haden Cross the following December.

Simon made many friends throughout West Midlands Fire Service, and was much-respected for his operational expertise.

He received his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 2022. Many people, across several West Midlands communities, are today safer thanks to his 24 years of service.

If you would like to share memories of Simon, or express your condolences to his family, please do so here.

Messages of condolence

Add your own message of condolence
Cedric Fernandes
From
Ceds Car Alarms
Extremely saddened a year later to hear the tragic news of his sudden death.

He was a car alarm engineer for 3 years until he left to pursue his firefighter career.

Very well liked by his colleagues.

My sincere heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends and may he rest in peace.
Dean Butterworth
A true gentleman and inspirational instructor, thoughts are with all who had the privilege to meet him.
Nichola
I couldn’t believe it was you when I heard the sad news but when I saw your photo, I knew it was you. You hadn’t changed a bit since we were at Dartmouth High School (OK, maybe a few more lines and grey hairs). Where has the time gone.

I was always a bit of a tomboy at school and it doesn’t seem that long since me, you and Lee were hanging around together after school in Redhouse Park.

After we left it looks like you went on to build a successful career in the fire service and you were well liked by lots of people and will be sorely missed.

Sincere condolences to your family at this sad time.

Goodbye Si and God Bless
Latif Rehman
From
NHS
Never knew you mate but your a hero to me and our community, thank you for serving us and also protecting us, men such as Simon are selfless and honourable and for that we appreciate you and wish you well on the rest of your journey. May God Almighty grant the bereaved family peace and patience at this moment of grief and loss. God speed and God bless Ameen.
Ann Smith
My heart goes out to your family and colleagues.

Thank you for your service. A hero.

RIP
Emma Harris
Sending love and thoughts to you sir and to your family.

Thank you for your service.
Paul Henderson
Totally sorry for the loss of a good fireman who cared for others more than himself, my heart goes out to his family who will miss him,
Caitlyn Judd
Rest in paradise, Simon. Thank you for your service.

My thoughts are you your family , friends and colleagues.
Joy Ridgway
On behalf of the late Station office Roger Humphries, his family would like to send sincere condolences…..RIP
Heather Sealey
RIP Thank you for your service
Susan Harris
RIP Simon. Thankyou for all your loyal service to your community. Thinking of all of you.
Lesley Jones
From
West Midlands Police
Our 999 family has lost an diamond. You always made time to say hello, gave a warm smile and had a story to tell. You are missed more than you will know.

You may not have been my direct commander, but you always had my back. Rest in Peace my ginger friend.
Patricia Rose Cornford
Rest in peace Simon, your work on earth is done. Thank you for your unfailing work with West Midlands Fire Service.

Condolences to your family and friends.

God Bless 🙏🙏🙏.
Sharon Hadlington
I am truly sorry to read of your passing . Reading through your story and how many people loved you and regarded you as a true friend was very heart warning . I am thinking of all your family and friends at this sad time. Sleep peacefully
Tina Goldsmith-ryan
Thank you Simon for all your brave actions and for saving so many people from fire's rest in peace ✌ sweetheart you shall be missed by many ttxxxxxxx
Simon Hewitt
On behalf of Firefighters For Christ, our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and work colleagues of Simon at this sad time🙏🏼
Richard Miller
Prayers for your family, friends and colleagues at such a sad time. Thank you for your dedication and service. R.i.P Simon
Julie Roberts
Sending deepest condolences and love from one fire service family to another x
John Paskin
Such a tragic event, RIP Simon, Thank you for your service.
Julie Phipps
Resp in peace Simon. I will remember you as you walked in haden cross always a smile and a sincere good morning to us.
Mark Cottrell
Simon it was a real honour to work with you down the Fire house you were always very professional and knowledgeable about anything to do with the brigade. Rest easy brother.
Andrew Morgan
From
E div golf society
Today will be a difficult today for everyone involved.

We have a society match at Perton tomorrow we will all remember you then. God bless.

Andy Morgan and E div golf society
Antony Clewer
From
West Midlands Fire Service Safeside
Such alot of Memories of Simon who I met doing various exercises with him as I'm a WMFS Volunteer. My thoughts are with his Family, Friends and Crew Mates. R.I.P Simon.
Vina
Such a shock when I heard the sad news of Simon’s passing. A tragic loss. Didn’t know him well, but he was always pleasant when we spoke. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. Wishing him peace.
Such a sad loss, my condolences to Simon's family, rest easy and at peace mate

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