Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner to retire after 30 years of service

After more than 30 years with the Minneapolis Fire Department, including the last five years as its leader, Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

Chief Tyner was appointed as the City's second black Fire Chief on Dec. 4, 2020. During his tenure, he guided the department through significant public safety challenges, including personnel challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2020 civil unrest. His last day as Chief will be Dec. 31.

"Chief Tyner has given more than 30 years of his life in service to our city, and Minneapolis is better for it," said Mayor Jacob Frey. A kid from North Minneapolis who grew up to lead the Minneapolis Fire Department, he's never stopped giving back to the community that raised him - and I know he'll continue to do so in his next chapter. From guiding the department through COVID, to launching innovative programs like EMS Pathways and Safe Station, to implementing a modern fire station-alerting system, Chief Tyner's legacy is one of vision, compassion, and commitment to keeping people safe."

30 years of progress and saving lives

Throughout his career, Chief Tyner has been instrumental in advancing the department's health and safety initiatives, improving operations, and promoting inclusion within the ranks.

During his tenure in various leadership roles, Chief Tyner has:

• Increased the number of firefighters in the department
• Increased the department's diversity to better reflect the communities it serves.
• Initiated leadership development training and the upgrade of systems and procedures.
• Initiated the EMS Pathways paid internship program to start young people on track to a career as a first responder.
• Led the implementation of a Safe Station at Fire Station 14, where individuals facing substance-use challenges can seek help without judgment or any questions asked.
• Instituted a now-nationally recognized commercial building inspection and registration program to ensure building use compliance and occupant safety.
• Supported the physical and mental well-being of fighters with the addition of new infrared saunas at five fire stations.

"It has been the honor of my life to serve the residents and community members of Minneapolis and to lead the dedicated members of this department," said Chief Tyner, Minneapolis Fire Department. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and confident that the department will continue to meet the high standards our community expects and deserves."

A legacy of service

Raised in North Minneapolis, Chief Tyner began his career with the Minneapolis Fire Department in 1995. Over his three decades of service, he held multiple leadership positions, including Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief of Administration/Public Information Officer.

In 2014, Tyner received the certification of Executive Fire Officer from the U.S. Congress after completing a four-year program at the U.S. National Fire Academy.

"Climbing through the ranks within the department and ending his career as a chief in the city where he was raised-an achievement we all respect," said Commissioner Todd Barnette, Office of Community Safety. "Longevity. Service. Dedication. Chief Tyner leaves a lasting legacy that will be hard to replace."

Next chapter

Following the chief's retirement, he will join the Minneapolis Phyllis Wheatley Community Center as its next Executive Director. Chief Tyner has a strong connection to this century-old institution. He spent his childhood attending the center, and years later, his children also benefited from this North Minneapolis landmark. Tyner looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Minneapolis by leading "The Wheatley," providing education, youth programs, and leadership development to the community.

National fire chief search

The City of Minneapolis takes pride in hiring the most qualified candidates for every role. The new Fire Chief will carry on the strong leadership established by Chief Tyner and will lead the next generation of firefighters.

The City is conducting a national search for its next fire chief. To ensure a seamless transition of leadership, an interim chief will be appointed and will assume responsibilities immediately upon Chief Tyner's retirement.

A formal recognition of Chief Tyner's service will be held in the coming weeks. More information about the search for a new chief will be provided when it is available.

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