MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minneapolis City Council Confirms Dr. Reginald Freeman as City’s 19th Fire Chief

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 31, 2026). The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to confirm Dr. Reginald Freeman as the city’s next fire chief, placing an experienced fire-service leader in charge of the Minneapolis Fire Department.

Freeman becomes the department’s 19th chief and the third African American to hold the position.

Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Freeman to succeed Chief Melanie Rucker, who announced her retirement earlier this year after serving in the department for more than three decades.

City officials said Freeman will concentrate on firefighter wellness, recruitment, employee retention and the continuing modernization of the department.

Freeman has also pledged to make the city’s fire stations more active and connected participants in the neighborhoods they serve.

“We will lead by example, support our community, and I will ensure that each of our firehouses plays an active role in the fabric of the neighborhoods they serve,” Freeman said in the city’s announcement. “We are committed to keeping every resident and community member safe.”

Freeman arrives in Minneapolis with experience leading fire departments and public-safety organizations in multiple communities.

He previously served as fire chief in Hartford, Connecticut, and Oakland, California. He has also held fire-service leadership roles in Alabama, Iraq and elsewhere.

His professional experience includes emergency management, labor relations, departmental budgeting and organizational reform. He holds a doctorate in emergency and protective services and has served in leadership positions with national fire-service organizations.

Freeman’s confirmation comes as fire departments across the country face growing demands beyond traditional fire suppression. Firefighters increasingly respond to medical emergencies, mental-health crises, hazardous-material incidents, extreme-weather events and other complex calls for service.

Recruitment and retention have also become significant challenges for public-safety agencies, placing greater attention on firefighter health, workplace culture and the long-term sustainability of emergency-response systems.

Frey said Freeman’s record demonstrates an ability to strengthen institutions while supporting the people responsible for delivering essential public services.

“As our city continues to grow and face new challenges, we need leaders who can strengthen our institutions, support the people who serve, and deliver results for residents,” Frey said.

The mayor said he expects Freeman to lead the department with professionalism, accountability and a strong commitment to public service.

Freeman said he does not take the responsibility lightly and thanked the mayor, City Council and Minneapolis residents for entrusting him with the department.

His priorities are expected to include maintaining emergency-response readiness, developing the department’s workforce and strengthening public confidence in the city’s fire and emergency services.

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