Minneapolis firefighters blast department's response to fires, unrest after George Floyd's killing

Firefighters within the Minneapolis Fire Department are criticizing their leaders' response in the nights of unrest following the killing of George Floyd, challenging the fire chief who did not call in major reinforcements as gas stations, post offices and businesses burned across the city.

Chief John Fruetel relied on mobile units of firefighting crews and increased staff by about 10 during the height of the unrest. He did not follow St. Paul's example in calling in more off-duty firefighters and, with one exception, did not call surrounding city fire departments for help.

The president of the local firefighters union, Mark Lakosky, said he was dumbfounded by the department's strategy during its biggest and longest crisis in modern history.

https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-firefighters-blast-the-response-to-fires-unrest/571332572/