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Council confirms Dr. Reginald Freeman as Minneapolis fire chief after extensive questioning
Summary
Mayor Frey nominated Dr. Reginald Freeman to lead the Minneapolis Fire Department; council members and union representatives debated his outside candidacy and past controversies before confirming him by recorded vote.
Mayor Frey introduced Dr. Reginald Freeman as his nominee for Minneapolis Fire Chief, highlighting Freeman’s leadership in other departments and a broad set of endorsements. Council members pressed both the mayor and the nominee’s record; supporters pointed to union backing and management experience, while skeptics questioned whether an external candidate should replace internal promotion opportunities and raised concerns about past lawsuits during his previous leadership posts.
Several members underscored the need for the new chief to prioritize department morale, transparency and gender equity. Council Member Vito summed up the cautionary tone: he would vote yes but with an expectation of improved workplace culture and accountability. The council confirmed Dr. Freeman in a recorded roll call vote.
