The City Council approved Reggie Freeman as Minneapolis fire chief despite questions about his leadership and his absence from the confirmation vote

By Deena Winter
Star Tribune

MINNEAPOLS — The Minneapolis City Council confirmed a new fire chief Thursday despite some council members’ serious concerns and the fact that he didn’t show up for the vote.

After a national search to replace retired Chief Bryan Tyner, Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Reginald “Reggie” Freeman in May. The council voted 10-2 to approve Freeman as fire chief for a term ending in January 2030.

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Freeman previously was chief of the fire departments in Oakland, California and Hartford, Connecticut. The city said in a news release that Freeman will focus on firefighter wellness, recruitment and retention, and continued modernization of the department.

“I’m confident he will lead the Minneapolis Fire Department with professionalism, accountability and a deep commitment to service,” Frey said in a statement.

Some council members had concerns about a lawsuit alleging harassment and discrimination at Freeman’s job in Hartford. Two female firefighters alleged in a 2022 lawsuit that the department had a history of sexual and racial harassment and discrimination. Freeman wasn’t named as a defendant in the lawsuit but was mentioned in it, as it covered a time period when he was the chief from 2016-2021.

During his July 22 confirmation hearing, Freeman said the lawsuit didn’t involve him. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw said Thursday she was concerned that the alleged harassment and discrimination occurred while Freeman was the fire chief. She said she hesitatingly voted “yes” to confirm him, but said she’ll be watching closely, asking hard questions and making sure he follows through on his commitments.

Other council members expressed consternation that Freeman did not attend Thursday’s confirmation vote. A spokesperson for the Office of Community Safety, Scott Wasserman, said Freeman had hoped to return for the meeting, but had work commitments. He is executive director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Freeman spent two weeks in Minneapolis earlier this month, and met with City Council members, city leaders and staff, and the fire union. He plans to move his family to Minneapolis later this month.

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