Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announces his choice for the city's next fire chief on Wednesday.
Reggie Freeman applied for the chief's position five years ago, but didn't get the job. Now Mayor Jacob Frey says he's hopeful that he will be confirmed by the City Council.
"What truly sets Reggie Freeman apart is his commitment to people," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, introducing his pick to become the city's new head of the fire department.
Reginald Freeman holds a doctorate in emergency and protective services. He has previously served as fire chief for Oakland, California.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Freeman to Minneapolis and confident he will lead the department with integrity, innovation, and a strong commitment to public safety,” said Commissioner Todd Barnette, Minneapolis Office of Community Safety. “At the same time, I’d like to express my appreciation to Interim Chief Melanie Rucker, who took this department over and led it through one of our City’s most difficult periods. I can’t thank her or honor her enough for her efforts over the past 6 months.”
Freeman says his priority will be building relationships within the community.
"And being out in the community at events, and the neighborhoods where our fire stations are located," Freeman added. "That is critically important that the residents, they don't see the fire chief or their firefighters for the first time until during an emergency."
Freeman has deep experience, having also served as fire chief in Hartford, Connecticut. He was civilian fire chief for the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq, and the executive director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"Minneapolis is a nationally recognized city and the opportunity to serve as its next fire chief is both professionally meaningful, and personally motivating for me," Freeman explained.
Former Fire Department Chief Bryan Tyner retired at the end of last year after a 30-year career with the department.
Dr. Freeman will meet with members of the Minneapolis Fire Department, City Council Members, City staff, and community leaders, and there will be a public hearing on the nomination in July, with the council voting on his approval.
Interim Chief Rucker will continue to serve as Interim Chief pending Freeman's confirmation.
