Mayor Jacob Frey has announced Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker will serve as Interim Fire Chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) following Chief Bryan Tyner’s retirement at the end of the month. Chief Rucker becomes the department’s second female fire chief and first African American woman to lead the department.
“Chief Rucker has earned the trust and respect of this department and our city over more than two decades of service,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “She’s a steady, experienced leader who understands what it takes to keep Minneapolis safe, support our firefighters, and move the department forward. I’m grateful she’s stepping into this role and confident the Fire Department will remain in strong hands during this transition.”
Interim Fire Chief Melanie Rucker
Chief Rucker’s career
Rucker joined the department in 1999. During her more than 26-year career in the City, she’s served as captain, battalion chief, and deputy chief. She currently serves as assistant chief and public information officer. She brings extensive operational experience, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the department and its mission.
“I can’t thank Interim Fire Chief Rucker enough for her willingness to accept this position and for her continued dedication to the Minneapolis Fire Department,” said Commissioner Todd Barnette, Minneapolis Office of Community Safety. “Her leadership and commitment to the safety of our City and its firefighters will be invaluable as we search for someone to permanently fill the role.”
Rucker’s experience helps ensure continuity, stability, and continued progress as the department moves forward during this transition.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me by Commissioner Barnette, Mayor Frey, and the City of Minneapolis,” said Chief Rucker. I am committed to providing steady leadership and to supporting our firefighters, to ensure we continue to deliver the highest level of service to the community and to maintain the strong relationships this department and Chief Tyner have built with our community and stakeholders. The priority will remain safety and prevention by proactively working with the community to reduce risks to life, property, and the environment.”
National search for new chief
The City has already begun a national search for its new chief. Several highly qualified internal candidates are expected to apply. However, given that the Minneapolis Fire Department is the largest in the Upper Midwest and plays a critical role in the State of Minnesota’s special operations response, City leaders believe a nationwide search is warranted.
The selection process is expected to be completed by spring 2026, pending City Council approval. Once the new Chief is in place, Chief Rucker will resume her previous role.
