Minneapolis mayor to nominate assistant fire chief to lead MFD

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will nominate Assistant Chief Bryan Tyner to serve as the next chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. He’d be just the second Black chief in the department.

The mayor’s office said Monday that Tyner has held many positions in the department since his hire in 1995, including battalion chief, fire captain, fire marshal, training captain, fire motor operator and firefighter. He’s also credited with helping make the department’s hiring practices more inclusive.

Tyner spearheaded new safety programming, worked with Minneapolis Public Schools and students to create pathways to a career in MFD and served as president of the Minneapolis African American Professional Firefighters Association, according to the city. He was chosen by Frey for the job after a national search that began in August, according to Frey’s office.

"A son of the Northside, Bryan Tyner has made the safety and security of Minneapolis his life’s work," Frey said. "Bryan has seen our city at its best and helped lead the department through some of Minneapolis’ most challenging moments. He will know how to handle whatever comes across his desk. His dedication to our city is beyond reproach, and I know that he will lead this department with integrity."

"It would be my distinct honor to serve this community as its next fire chief," Tyner said. "I intend to lead this organization into the future with integrity, honesty, and fairness."

Tyner would replace John Fruetel, who is retiring after 41 years at MFD, including the past eight years as chief.

Frey will officially nominate Tyner at Tuesday’s Executive Committee meeting.