Following a nationwide search, Mayor Jacob Frey announced today the nomination of Dr. Reginald Freeman to serve as the next Chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. If confirmed by the City Council, Freeman would lead a department with nearly 170 years of service to the people of Minneapolis.
Chief Freeman brings decades of leadership experience in fire service, emergency management, and public safety – leading departments in Oakland, Calif., and Hartford, Conn., among other key roles across the country and internationally. His career has centered on modernizing operations, investing in firefighters, strengthening community trust, and preparing departments to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
"Dr. Freeman brings a rare mix of hands-on experience and proven leadership that will help guide our fire department into the future,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Minneapolis aims to be on the cutting edge of emergency response, and Dr. Freeman will help us get there, while building on the excellence in service for which our firefighters are known."
Dr. Freeman will assume leadership of one of the nation’s most respected fire departments at a critical time for emergency response and public safety innovation. Minneapolis continues to make major investments in firefighter wellness, recruitment and retention, emergency response modernization, and violence prevention efforts across the city.
“Minneapolis is a nationally recognized city, and the opportunity to serve as its next Fire Chief is both professionally meaningful and personally motivating,” said Dr. Reginald Freeman, Minneapolis Fire Chief Nominee. “This is an opportunity to help lead a proud fire department with a strong history, highly capable personnel, and tremendous potential for continued modernization and growth. I believe in supporting firefighters, developing future leaders, strengthening community trust, and positioning the department for long-term success.”
About Dr. Freeman
Dr. Freeman has built a long and distinguished career focused on building positive culture, workforce development, community engagement, and accountability. Throughout his career he has led major emergency service operations, managed complex public safety challenges, and advanced large-scale emergency response initiatives both nationally and internationally.
He has previously served as:
- Fire Chief for the City of Oakland, California
- Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director for the City of Hartford, Connecticut
- Civilian Fire Chief for the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq
- Executive Director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
“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 will relocate to Minneapolis with his wife of 23 years, Erin, and their two daughters, Harmony, 13, and Joy, 9.
“Minneapolis has always stood out to me—not just for this opportunity, but for its people and their strong sense of community," said Dr. Reginald Freeman, Minneapolis Fire Chief Nominee. “My wife and I are excited to raise our children here and to join a community that has inspired the entire country with its resilience and commitment to one another over the past several months.”
Next Steps
- Mayor Frey will formally submit the nomination to the Minneapolis City Council
- Dr. Freeman will meet with members of the Minneapolis Fire Department, City Council Members, City staff, and community leaders
- The City Council will schedule a public hearing and confirmation vote
- Interim Chief Rucker will continue to serve as Interim Chief pending confirmation
Learn more about the Minneapolis Fire Department.
Watch
Watch the May 20 announcement.