No charge for ex-fire chief after arrest

Frank Sheehan quit his job with West Midlands Fire Service after his arrest in November.

A CPS spokeswoman said police had been advised to issue a formal caution after it was deemed "not in the public interest" to charge Mr Sheehan.

The married 55-year-old will be placed on the sex offenders register for two years.

Hayley Firman, assistant district crown prosecutor for Birmingham CPS, said: "Following a thorough investigation by West Midlands Police and a careful review by the CPS, a decision has been made that it is not in the public interest to charge Mr Sheehan." Mr Sheehan joined the service as a firefighter in 1975 and was promoted to chief officer in 2003. He was due to retire in September.

He was awarded a CBE in June last year in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to local government.

Mr Sheehan lives in Sutton Coldfield with wife, Linda, and has a daughter.

Detective Chief Supt Dave Mirfield, head of Crime Support at West Midlands Police said: "A professional and comprehensive investigation was carried out by the Child Exploitation Investigation Team of West Midlands Police. This investigation followed nationally adopted guidelines which are applied in each and every case."

Mike Fox, spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Frank Sheehan resigned from his post with effect from November 18, 2008. It is inappropriate for West Midlands Fire Service to make any further comment."

A new chief fire officer earning up to £150,000 could be appointed by next month.

Bosses at the West Midlands Fire Authority will meet on Monday to discuss the recruitment process.

Adverts are due to go out next week and depending on the number of applicants final interviews could be completed around March 16, with a final decision by March 23 or 30.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Vij Randeniya has acted as Chief Fire Officer since November.