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.
📌 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.
📊 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Fire Service - DEI — Fire Engineering
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