Minneapolis council confirms new fire chief

Fire chief nomination
John Fruetel listens during a public hearing for his nomination as Minneapolis Fire Chief in Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012.
Jeffrey Thompson/MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

The Minneapolis City Council has confirmed John Fruetel as the city's next fire chief.

Friday's vote was unanimous.

Mayor R.T. Rybak nominated Fruetel, a career Minneapolis firefighter, for the job.

In a new release, Fruetel says he has dreamed about being Minneapolis fire chief since he was a boy.

Fruetel retired as an assistant Minneapolis fire chief in 2010. He then moved to the city's Emergency Management Division.

Fruetel succeeds Fire Chief Alex Jackson, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the department. Jackson's last day is Feb. 29.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.