T. John Cunningham

T. John Cunningham is an accomplished public safety executive with more than 28 years of experience spanning fire and rescue services, homeland security and emergency management, interoperable public safety communications, organizational development, and government administration. Throughout his career, he has led complex public sector organizations, guided large-scale operational and emergency response initiatives, and collaborated with elected officials, community leaders, and public safety professionals at the local, state, and national levels. Known for his servant leadership approach, strategic vision, and commitment to developing high-performing teams, John has built a reputation for advancing public safety, strengthening organizations, and fostering partnerships that improve outcomes for communities and stakeholders alike.

John currently serves as Assistant Commissioner of Emergency Services for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. In this role, he directly oversees the divisions of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), Emergency Communication Networks (ECN), State Fire Marshal (SFM), and the offices of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and State Safety Oversight (SSO). He also serves as Chair of the Statewide Emergency Communications Board (SECB), providing governance and strategic direction for Minnesota’s public safety communications systems, including ARMER and Next Generation 911.

Prior to his appointment as Assistant Commissioner in 2023, John served as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director for the City of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota’s sixth-largest city. There, he led a progressive, full-service emergency response organization responsible for more than 8,200 incidents annually. During his tenure, he successfully expanded staffing, modernized emergency response capabilities, established a full-time fire training academy, enhanced fire investigation resources, and advanced long-range facility and capital improvement planning.

Previously, John served as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director for the City of Elk River. He also served three terms as President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA), helping guide statewide fire service policy, professional development, and advocacy efforts. In addition, he has served as the Honor Guard Commander for the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

John began his public safety career as a volunteer firefighter in Greenwich, Connecticut, after participating in a fire explorer program as a teenager. He rose through the ranks of a combination department of more than 200 career and volunteer firefighters, ultimately serving in senior volunteer leadership positions, including District Chief. During this period, he was also a founding member of Connecticut Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 (CT-TF1).

The events of September 11, 2001, profoundly shaped John’s life and career. As a 21-year-old volunteer firefighter from Connecticut, he responded to Ground Zero and worked alongside other responders in the aftermath of the attacks. The experience reinforced a lifelong commitment to public service and continues to inspire his dedication to supporting first responders, strengthening preparedness, and enhancing response capabilities to address emerging threats.

In addition to his public safety leadership roles, John founded and operated a successful technology consulting business. He also traveled across the United States assisting with training first responders on technical rescue and disaster response operations. He facilitated leadership development programs, large-scale emergency exercises, and complex disaster preparedness initiatives, providing him with a broad national perspective on emergency management, public safety operations, and organizational leadership.

A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and professional development, John has extensive experience as an instructor, coach, public speaker, and facilitator. He has taught leadership, incident management, emergency operations, scene safety, crisis response, and organizational development programs for public safety professionals. He is also an experienced spokesperson and has regularly represented organizations before elected officials, community stakeholders, industry partners, and the public.

John holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security Leadership from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Fairfield University. He also earned a Certificate in Collaborative Leadership in Homeland Security from the University of Connecticut and has completed numerous executive leadership and public safety professional development programs, including the Shannon Leadership Institute. He is a certified fire officer, instructor, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Throughout his career, John has remained committed to strengthening organizations, advancing public safety, developing future leaders, fostering collaborative partnerships, and helping communities become safer, stronger, and more resilient.

John is married to his long-time partner Ben; they live in Elk River with their three dogs.