Read the feature article highlighting the Minneapolis first responder's perspectives in the Minnesota Star Tribune
 Five of the many heroes whose quick actions and training saved lives on the day of the Annunciation tragedy. From left to right, MFD Deputy Fire Chief Colm Black, Paramedic B. Gregory, MPD Lt. Ryan Kelly, MFD Firefighter Seamus Black, and Public Safety Telecommunicator Chad Howard (Photo credit to Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
When tragedy struck the Parish of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, Minneapolis first responders acted without hesitation. Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics rushed toward danger, while 911 dispatchers stayed composed under pressure. Their teamwork and courage helped save lives that day. Two months later, they’re sharing their stories of bravery, heartbreak, and healing. Read the first-hand accounts in this article by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Interview with 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator
WCCO Radio interviewed Chad Howard, 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator, who was on duty the day of the Annunciation tragedy. Listen to the interview on Audacy.
Bow collections will be accepted until Oct. 30
 We are grateful to the Minneapolis residents and community members who showed an outpouring of support and solidarity by displaying thousands of green and blue “Bows of Love” throughout the city to honor those affected by the tragedy at Annunciation Church.
As winter approaches and the bows begin to fade, fall to the ground, or become affected by street cleaning and snow removal, the community group, Bows of Love, is working to collect bows from across town with the intention of turning them into a future creative memorial.
The City is supporting this effort by sharing the following information:
- Between now and Oct. 30, residents are encouraged to remove any bows hanging on public property near their homes and in their neighborhood, including on trees, light poles, and street signs in or on public spaces.
- To contribute to the collection efforts or learn of ways to get involved, use this sign-up page.
-
Follow Bows of Love on social media as the group provides updated information.
- Residents may also move the bows to their own property, out of the way of street sweepers and snowplows.
- If residents do not wish to keep their bows, they can throw away. The material is not recyclable.
More information is available on the City's website.
 To honor First Responders Day, held on Oct. 28, we are expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the brave individuals who keep our community safe. You run toward danger, provide care in moments of crisis, and answer the call when others are in need.
To our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and all emergency responders—Thank you for your courage, dedication, and service that make Minneapolis a safer place for all of us. We see you, appreciate you, and stand with you. Watch the full video on the City's YouTube channel.
Oct. 23 marked Commissioner Todd Barnette’s two-year anniversary leading the Office of Community Safety. In his latest reflection, Barnette shares his gratitude for the dedicated people who make Minneapolis safer, stronger and more connected every day. He also highlighted major progress across our City’s safety system and Office of Community Safety departments.
From progress in police reform and violence prevention to faster 911 response and innovative new programs, Minneapolis continues to build a more compassionate, transparent and coordinated approach to community safety.
Read the full Commissioner’s Corner newsletter.
|
 On the edge of downtown Minneapolis sits the city’s busiest fire station: MFD Station 6. The station serves one of the city’s most vibrant yet historically underserved communities—one rich in culture, tradition, and resilience.
Engine 10, based at Station 6, is the city’s second busiest crew, responding to hundreds of fires, medical emergencies, and other calls each year. Engine 10’s ‘A’ Shift is also MFD’s first all-Native firefighter crew.
For these firefighters, every call carries deeper meaning, as they bring representation, service, and understanding as they respond to a neighborhood that is predominantly their own community. Watch the full video on the OCS Stories webpage.
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.
Read more about Chief Tyner's legacy on the City's website. You can also watch a video highlight on Chief Tyner with his reflections on his tenure.
Learn more about the City's Neighborhood Safety Department
 In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are highlighting the work of our Neighborhood Safety Department (NSD). NSD funds many community organizations that help prevent violence and its impacts, as well as support individuals and families heal, rebuild, and find safety. NSD funds local partners who support survivors at every stage of life.
Support may include:
- Street outreach teams safely de-escalating a domestic conflict
- Helping to find shelter for anyone fleeing violence
- Assisting with filing court orders for protection
Learn more about the work of NSD on the City's website.
 Melanie Yang, the embedded social worker in the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center, serves in a newly created role to provide immediate, compassionate support for 911 callers who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, substance use challenges, or other non-emergency situations.
Inside the Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center, social worker Melanie Yang is helping reshape how the city responds to calls for help. As the center’s first embedded social worker, Melanie connects residents in crisis with the right support — whether that’s mental health care, addiction treatment, or housing resources.
The City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County launched this pilot to ensure callers get compassionate, timely care — not just a traditional emergency response. “Just knowing that someone with her skills can answer questions and provide advice helps us do our jobs and serve the community better,” said 911 Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center (MECC) Director Joni Hodne.
This partnership is part of the City’s Safe and Thriving Communities Plan, which emphasizes addressing root causes of crises through collaboration and care. Read the full article on the OCS Stories webpage.
Join the Emergency Management Department for a community session focused on the hazards most likely to affect our city. At Ready Camp, you'll learn practical tips on building a preparedness mindset, creating a household emergency plan, staying informed during a crisis, understanding what happens when you call 911, and the importance of renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.
We’ll also cover essentials like shelter-in-place supplies, car and pet preparedness kits, and how to stay connected with your neighbors before, during, and after an emergency.
We have two upcoming sessions:
Read more about Ready Camp on the City’s website.
Minneapolis is standing with eight other cities to challenge new federal conditions that threaten critical emergency and disaster preparedness funds. Nearly $3.6 million in grants support most of the positions in the City’s Emergency Management Department, which coordinates responses to disasters like floods, tornadoes, and public health emergencies. The lawsuit argues these lifesaving funds should never be tied to unrelated political agendas. Read more about the lawsuit on the City website.
MPD recently received two major honors from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Officer Jamal Mitchell was posthumously named IACP Officer of the Year, along with Officers Nicholas Kapinos, Eric Withanom and Luke Kittock. Mitchell was killed in the line of duty in May 2024 while responding to a shooting. His fellow officers acted quickly under fire to protect others and stop the threat.
MPD also won the IACP Leadership in Community Policing Award for its Juvenile Curfew Task Force. The program connects at-risk youth and families with support services and has become a national model.
“These awards show the courage and progress of our department,” said Chief Brian O’Hara. “We’re proud to be recognized for both heroism and innovation.”
 Crime Prevention Specialist Shannon McDonough (center) was awarded for building strong community ties. He is pictured alongside Inspector Charlie Adams and Chief Brian O'Hara.
The Minneapolis Police Department recently brought its weekly MSTAT crime strategy meeting to the Cora McCovey Center, connecting directly with Northside community members.
MPD leaders shared how they use crime data and trends to guide public safety efforts. Inspectors from all five precincts highlighted positive outcomes — including strong officer-community interactions, helpful services, and impactful arrests.
Chief Brian O’Hara and Inspector Charlie Adams also recognized several MPD staff and community members for their outstanding service:
- Two sergeants and one officer for their dedication to public safety
- Crime Prevention Specialist Shannon McDonough for building strong community ties
- A domestic violence navigator for supporting victims and survivors
- A retired lieutenant for his years of service
- Community members Buzzy Bohn and Diana Hawkins for their deep commitment to the Northside
This event was part of MPD’s ongoing work to build trust, share information, and strengthen relationships with the communities it serves.
 Community members Buzzy Bohn and Diana Hawkins were awarded for their deep commitment to the Northside.
 Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis City leaders are standing up for the city’s immigrant and refugee communities – making one thing clear: Minneapolis will not back down from its values – no matter what actions the Trump administration may take.
“Minneapolis doesn’t flinch when it comes to our values,” said Mayor Frey. “We stand with our immigrant neighbors — not just in words, but in the laws we’ve passed, the policies we enforce and the way we show up for each other every day.”
Watch Mayor Frey's message for community members, reiterating the city’s ongoing commitment to:
- Keep all our neighborhoods safe,
- Ensure residents are informed about their rights,
- What to do if they encounter immigration law enforcement, and
- Supporting every neighbor who calls Minneapolis home, regardless of immigration status.
Under Mayor Frey’s leadership, Minneapolis has strictly upheld its Separation Ordinance, one of the strongest in the country, ensuring that City employees — including police officers and firefighters — are prohibited from participating in civil immigration enforcement. That means all residents, regardless of immigration status, can safely access City services, schools and emergency response without fear.
Read more and watch the video message on the City's website.
Resources for community members
 In addition, the City of Minneapolis has responded to several recent federal government actions that threaten our City’s core values. These actions include the federal government shutdown, federal law enforcement targeting of immigration communities, and a federal lawsuit challenging our Welcoming City values.
Access information on the new City webpage
A new City webpage brings together the key updates, information and resources in one place. The content covers key information about the City’s response including:
- All City services remain stable and available despite the federal government shutdown.
- We will protect our Welcoming City values by vigorously defending the federal lawsuit against Minneapolis.
- We do not enforce immigration laws; we follow the Minneapolis Separation Ordinance.
To learn more, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/federal.
We know that food security is a high priority. Due to lack of funding from the federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be funded in November.
On Oct. 27, Governor Tim Walz announced the State of Minnesota would provide $4 million in emergency funds to support food shelves. Find more information on the State’s website.
Other food assistance
Minnesota has more than 300 food shelves and meal programs to help support families when they need help right away.
If you have children ages 0-5, you may qualify for WIC, Hennepin County's Women, Infants, and Children nutrition and breastfeeding program. To learn more, visit the Hennepin County website.
 After 16 months of focused efforts, the City of Minneapolis’ Office of Police Conduct Review (OPCR) has completed the necessary investigative work on all 234 cases in its historic backlog. The completion of these cases – some of which still await panel review and recommendation followed by a final decision from the Chief of Police – is an important milestone in the City’s commitment to creating meaningful, transparent oversight and accountability for Minneapolis police.
OPCR is a division of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department, serving as a neutral agency that investigates allegations of police misconduct made by members of the public, and a central part of Minneapolis’ police reform efforts. The office has grown in capacity and efficiency as a result of effective leadership, a new team structure with increased accountability and staff support, clear roles and responsibilities, and innovative changes to the process.
Read more on the City's website.
|
