Melanie Rucker named interim Minneapolis fire chief
Minneapolis Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker will serve as interim fire chief starting at the end of December, following the retirement of Chief Bryan Tyner, while the city conducts a nationwide search expected to conclude by spring 2026. Mayor Jacob Frey said Rucker—who joined the department in 1999 and becomes the first Black woman and only the second woman to lead MFD—will return to her assistant chief and public information officer role once a permanent chief is appointed, with City Council approval required for the final hire.
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📊 Relevant Data
In 2024, women made up less than 8% of the Minneapolis Fire Department, highlighting significant underrepresentation in a department serving a city where women comprise approximately 50% of the population. ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099)) ([KARE11](https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-sunrise/minneapolis-works-to-boost-female-firefighter-numbers/89-89d4fd56-b2fd-4caf-9a63-d75bc94f1099))
Minneapolis looks to boost female firefighter recruitment with study — KARE11
In 2023, 15% of Minneapolis firefighters were Black, compared to African Americans making up about 19% of the city's population, indicating underrepresentation in the department. ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/)) ([KSTP](https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minneapolis-fire-department-hopes-to-continue-expanding-diversity-among-fire-ranks/))
Minneapolis Fire Department hopes to continue expanding diversity among fire ranks — KSTP
Nationally, in 2020, 5% of career firefighters were female, compared to women comprising about 50% of the U.S. population, showing broad underrepresentation in the fire service. ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile))
Nationally, in 2020, 8.4% of career firefighters were African-American, compared to African Americans comprising 13.6% of the U.S. population, indicating underrepresentation. ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile)) ([NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-fire-department-profile))
Fire departments face barriers to diversity, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against people of color and women, as identified in litigation within the fire service. ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/)) ([Fire Engineering](https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-fire-service/))
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Fire Service - DEI — Fire Engineering
📌 Key Facts
- Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker is appointed interim Minneapolis fire chief as Bryan Tyner retires at the end of December 2025.
- Rucker joined the department in 1999 and is the first Black woman and second-ever woman to lead the Minneapolis Fire Department.
- The city has launched a nationwide search for a permanent chief, expected to finish by spring 2026 pending City Council approval, after which Rucker will return to her assistant chief/P.I.O. role.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time