safety
Federal lawsuit raises questions about culture at prior job of Minneapolis mayor’s nominee for fire chief
By Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
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Federal lawsuit raises questions about culture at prior job of Minneapolis mayor’s nominee for fire chief...
Key takeaway Mayor Frey had high praise for Freeman as he announced him as his choice for the chief’s position in May.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The allegations of harassment and discrimination in the Hartford fire department during Reginald Freeman's tenure as chief raise significant concerns for Minneapolis, where he is now nominated to lead the fire department. As the city considers his nomination, it is crucial that the Minneapolis City Council scrutinize Freeman's leadership and management style to ensure he is fit to lead the city's fire department. The fact that the city is not commenting on the lawsuit, citing it was filed several years ago and concerns a different city and state, may not be enough to alleviate concerns. The council should examine whether Freeman was aware of the alleged mistreatment of female firefighters and what measures he took to address it. With the public hearing next week, Minneapolis residents will be watching to see how the council vets Freeman's appointment and whether they will prioritize a safe and respectful work environment for all firefighters.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Federal lawsuit raises questions about culture at prior job of Minneapolis mayor’s nominee for fire chief...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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