Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, July 26, 2008

Minneapolis names first black fire chief

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The city of Minneapolis is getting its first black fire chief.

The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved the hiring of Alex Jackson for the Fire Department's top job. Jackson has been with the Fire Department for more than 27 years, where he worked his way up from firefighter to interim fire chief since April.

As chief, he will manage of staff of more than 450 and an operating budget of more than $50 million. City leaders including Mayor R.T. Rybak and Council President Barbara Johnson praise Jackson's ability to inspire those he's leading as well as his quiet demeanor and thoughtfulness.

Jackson will be officially sworn in on August 8

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