Fire Department leadership

A Message from the Fire Chief

The Minneapolis Fire Department is a proud, professional, all-hazards emergency response organization. It is dedicated to protecting the lives, property, and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits our city.

We respond to

Our members serve Minneapolis around the clock. We respond to: 

• Fires
• Medical emergencies
• Hazardous-material incidents
• Technical rescues, and 
• Other threats to public safety.

Just as importantly, we work to prevent emergencies through fire inspections, code enforcement, public education, community risk reduction, preparedness, and strong partnerships throughout the city.

We understand that every call represents someone experiencing a moment of uncertainty, loss, or crisis. Our responsibility is therefore greater than simply arriving quickly. We must respond with:

• Competence
• Compassion
• Sound judgment, and
• Respect for the dignity of every person we encounter.

We are committed to

As public servants, we are committed to:

• Integrity
• Accountability
• Professionalism
• Courage, and
• Service before self.

We value the trust placed in us by the people of Minneapolis, and we recognize that this trust must be earned every day. We are committed to delivering reliable and equitable service across every neighborhood and to ensuring that all members of our community are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

We are investing in our people

The strength of the Minneapolis Fire Department is its people. Our firefighters, emergency medical personnel, fire inspectors, investigators, dispatch partners, professional staff, and support personnel bring:

• Skill
• Experience, and
• Dedication to our mission.

We will invest in their safety, health, professional development, and leadership because a well-trained, well-equipped, and supported workforce is essential to serving our community effectively.

My priorities as Fire Chief

As Fire Chief, my priorities are clear:

• Operational excellence
• Firefighter health and safety
• Ethical and accountable leadership
• Fiscal responsibility
• Community trust, and
• Continuous improvement.

I believe in setting high standards, communicating expectations clearly, listening to our members and residents, and holding myself and the department accountable for results.

I also believe we must honor the proud traditions of the fire service while preparing for the future. Minneapolis continues to grow and change, and the risks facing our community are evolving. Our department must remain adaptable, innovative, and prepared, using data, technology, training, and community partnerships to anticipate emerging needs and strengthen our ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

We will work together

No fire department succeeds alone. We will work collaboratively with:

• Residents
• Neighborhood organizations
• Labor partners
• Businesses
• Healthcare providers
• Public-safety agencies, and
• Our colleagues throughout city government.

These relationships are essential to building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Minneapolis.

Our commitment 

It is an honor to serve as Fire Chief and to lead the dedicated members of the Minneapolis Fire Department. Our commitment is simple and unwavering. We will be:

• Ready when called
• Courageous in action
• Compassionate in service, and 
• Accountable to the people we serve.

Dr. Reginald D. Freeman
Fire Chief
Minneapolis Fire Department