Embattled Minneapolis Fire Chief To Retire

Minneapolis Fire Department Chief Alex Jackson is retiring at the end of February.

Earlier this year, Jackson faced sharp criticism from several city councilmembers over to pad their weekends and for the $1 million in overtime pay he used to close the gap in the department's budget. Jackson also faced criticism for plans to deal with the overtime issue by . Jackson had argued the department dipped into overtime because of firefighter layoffs in the wake of state aid cuts. Jackson later modified his plans  if enough firefighters call in sick.

Jackson was the first black fire chief in the city's history, in a department that once refused to hire or promote black firefighters.

In a written statement announcing the chief's retirement, Mayor RT Rybak stood by Jackson's record.

“I have enjoyed working with Chief Jackson and am disappointed that he has made the decision to retire," he said. "He has made a tremendous contribution to the city, not only as chief but as a career Minneapolis firefighter. He has been a good leader for the Fire Department, particularly during some difficult challenges and emergencies. We all owe him a debt of gratitude, and I will miss him.”

Rybak plans to nominate former Assistant Fire Chief John Fruetel to replace Jackson. Fruetel is now the city's emergency preparedness training manager. 

“John Fruetel is a good choice," City Council President Barb Johnson said in a written statement. "He is a proven leader who was a strong candidate for fire chief in the past. He has certainly demonstrated his mettle with his work on tornado relief.”