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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has named an interim Community Safety Commissioner to succeed Cedric Alexander, who resigned after less than a year in the newly-created position. 

Lee Sheehy will temporarily lead Minneapolis' Office of Community Safety while a permanent hire is made. The commissioner leads the city's public safety efforts, and is in charge of police, fire, 911, emergency management and neighborhood safety. 

Sheehy will start in the role on Sept. 1. He’s currently serving as the interim deputy chief operations officer for the city. He previously served as chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, regional administrator of the Metropolitan Council and chief deputy to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert Humphrey III. 

Sheehy said in a statement that it’s “humbling” to serve the city that’s been his home for four decades. He’ll help create a transition plan for the next commissioner. 

Mayor Frey said in a statement that a nominee for the office could be announced as soon as early September. He said he’s consulted with dozens of people to get feedback about what they want to see in the position. 

“Lee’s career has been defined by leadership, compassion, service, and creative problem-solving,” Frey said in a statement. “I could not be more grateful for his willingness to again answer the call to serve and help move Minneapolis into its next chapter of community safety work.”  

Alexander announced that he was retiring in July, less than a year after he was sworn in. He clashed with some council members who opposed his appointment and later engaged in high-profile disputes on Twitter with residents that earned him a reprimand from the mayor. 

When Alexander announced his impending departure, Frey credited him for leading a public safety system in transition and presiding over a reduction in serious crime.

Minnesota News

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Jon Collins

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Lee Sheehy will temporarily lead Minneapolis' Office of Community Safety while a permanent hire is made.

Interim commissioner to lead Minneapolis' public safety efforts

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