Porn arrest fire chief Frank Sheehan's laptop stolen

Nov 20 2008 by Andy Richards, Birmingham Mail

he had a computer stolen and police were investigating.

“Clearly somebody in his position would have had a lot of sensitive information, it’s not like a normal bloke on the street losing a computer, so they took it very seriously.

“It seems a bit coincidental that all this comes out a few days after the computer is stolen”

And a neighbour of Mr Sheehan, who did not wish to be named, said a police car had visited the house “a few days before” about an alleged break in on his car.

The neighbour, who also did not want to be named, added: “I’m gobsmacked. That guy was the salt of the earth.

“He is well known in the community and a really nice guy.

“The police were at his last week and he told us it was about a break-in on his car.”

A spokeswoman from West Midlands Police said: “A 55-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday at an address in Sutton Coldfield on suspicion of making indecent images of children. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.”

Councillor Peter Howard, head of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan has resigned from his post for personal reasons with immediate effect.

“Deputy Chief Fire Officer Vij Randeniya will be acting in the role of Chief Fire Officer.”

Fire Brigades Union West Midlands Regional Secretary Dave Whatton said:

“We are extremely surprised at the sudden departure of Mr Sheehan and shocked at the allegations against him. No further comment will be made at this time.”

Mr Sheehan declined to comment when approached by the Birmingham Mail.

Sheehan rose through the ranks from firefighter to Chief Fire Officer after joining the service in 1975.

He was awarded a CBE earlier this year and is also a holder of the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for services to community fire safety.