Minneapolis City Council approves Reginald Freeman as new fire chief
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The Minneapolis City Council approved Reginald Freeman to serve as the chief of the city’s fire department — but many said they voted in spite of reservations.
Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Freeman to the position earlier this year. He’s previously served as the chief in Hartford, Connecticut and Oakland, California. Currently, he holds a job as director of fire in Saudi Arabia.
Frey said Freeman’s experience is impressive.
“Dr. Freeman has demonstrated an ability to lead organizations and leave them better than when he started,” Frey told the council Thursday.
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He pointed to more than 20 letters of support for Freeman from firefighters, elected officials and fire chiefs. The Minneapolis firefighters union also supported the pick.
Ten council members voted to confirm him, citing that support, his experience and his commitment to supporting women and LGBTQ+ firefighters.
But several raised concerns. Council members have questioned Freeman about a lawsuit brought against the Hartford fire department alleging gender discrimination during his time there. At a public hearing last week, Freeman noted that he was not named in the lawsuit nor deposed, and said he was committed to rooting out discrimination.
Several council members also said they initially preferred to hire someone who already works at the Minneapolis Fire Department. Council member Michael Rainville said it took conversations with Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and firefighters to change his mind and vote to confirm Freeman.
“I just hope that the new chief understands and values the bravery of the Minneapolis Fire Department, how smart and wise you are,” Rainville said.
Several council members also questioned why Freeman was not present for the confirmation vote.
“It's really weird that he's not here,” Council Member Soren Stevenson said. “I've never applied for a job that I didn't want to sit in the discussions about whether I got it or not. I came in here knowing I was going to vote yes, and now him not being here is something that's really disturbing to me.”
Stevenson ultimately voted to confirm Freeman, citing his support for the firefighter’s union and for past work on mental health response projects.
Council Members Aisha Chughtai and Jason Chavez voted against the nomination.
Chughtai noted his current work as a fire director for projects in Saudi Arabia. She said she asked Freeman about human rights concerns related to his projects there.
“I felt as though I felt as though the nominee dismissed the legitimate concerns that I brought up about some pretty severe human rights abuses that happened in the organization he was a leader in,” Chughtai said.
In a statement, Freeman said he’s looking forward to moving to Minneapolis and starting the job.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Freeman. “We will lead by example, support our community, and I will ensure that each of our firehouses plays an active role in the fabric of the neighborhoods they serve.”
Freeman will replace Bryan Tyner, who retired as chief last year. Melanie Rucker currently serves as the interim chief.
