Minneapolis City Council confirms new fire chief despite concerns

By Deena Winter
Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLS — The Minneapolis City Council confirmed a new fire chief Thursday despite some council members’ serious concerns and the fact that he didn’t show up for the vote.

After a national search to replace retired Chief Bryan Tyner, Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Reginald “Reggie” Freeman in May. The council voted 10-2 to approve Freeman as fire chief for a term ending in January 2030.

| NEXT: Leadership Development for the New Fire Chief

Freeman previously was chief of the fire departments in Oakland, California and Hartford, Connecticut. The city said in a news release that Freeman will focus on firefighter wellness, recruitment and retention, and continued modernization of the department.

“I’m confident he will lead the Minneapolis Fire Department with professionalism, accountability and a deep commitment to service,” Frey said in a statement.

Some council members had concerns about a lawsuit alleging harassment and discrimination at Freeman’s job in Hartford. Two female firefighters alleged in a 2022 lawsuit that the department had a history of sexual and racial harassment and discrimination. Freeman wasn’t named as a defendant in the lawsuit but was mentioned in it, as it covered a time period when he was the chief from 2016-2021.

During his July 22 confirmation hearing, Freeman said the lawsuit didn’t involve him. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw said Thursday she was concerned that the alleged harassment and discrimination occurred while Freeman was the fire chief. She said she hesitatingly voted “yes” to confirm him, but said she’ll be watching closely, asking hard questions and making sure he follows through on his commitments.

Other council members expressed consternation that Freeman did not attend Thursday’s confirmation vote. A spokesperson for the Office of Community Safety, Scott Wasserman, said Freeman had hoped to return for the meeting, but had work commitments. He is executive director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Freeman spent two weeks in Minneapolis earlier this month, and met with City Council members, city leaders and staff, and the fire union. He plans to move his family to Minneapolis later this month.

Trending

Emergency Management

Report examines how fire chiefs are preparing for data center emergencies

The CPSE Center for Innovation’s newest Strategic Scan found that 68% of surveyed chiefs expect data centers to change fire department planning

November 07, 2026 09:52 PM

 · 

FireRescue1 Staff

Labor and Union Issues

Fla. firefighters approve contract with roughly half the raises sought

Hialeah firefighters approved compounded raises of 15.6% over two years, falling well short of the union’s initial 27% demand and trailing the police union’s contract, as the department continues losing personnel

November 08, 2026 08:00 AM

Community Risk Reduction

Mich. FD launches SmartBurner pilot to prevent cooking fires

Sterling Heights, chosen as one of three sites nationwide for the FEMA-funded Cooking Fire Prevention Toolkit Initiative, is installing temperature-limiting stove technology at Fieldstone Apartments to address cooking fires, the leading cause of home fires in America

November 08, 2026 12:00 PM

Line-of-Duty Death (LODD)

Veteran Ala. fire captain dies while on duty

Selma Fire and Rescue’s Capt. Aeneas Pettway, who served the department for 27 years as fire investigator and inspector is remembered by colleagues for his unwavering commitment and positive attitude

November 09, 2026 07:25 AM

©2026 The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Visit startribune.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Company News

Fire Service Awards

Nominations open for Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award

Organizations advancing firefighter health and safety are encouraged to submit nominations by October 16

October 12, 2026 03:03 PM