the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — Leadership is staying in the family — and the city — as Hackensack’s governing body has officially tapped retired Fire Chief Thomas Freeman, a 40-year veteran of the Hackensack Fire Department, to serve as the city’s new municipal manager.
The City Council accepted the resignation of outgoing City Manager Vincent Caruso during a special meeting on Monday, August 4, and unanimously voted to appoint Freeman as his successor.
“I am truly honored, humbled and very thankful for this opportunity to continue serving this great city in a new way,” Freeman said. “I’m excited to get back to work. Let’s keep Hackensack moving forward together.”
🧯 A Legacy of Service
A Hackensack native, Freeman began his firefighting career in 1983 and steadily rose through the ranks to become chief in 2009 — following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both longtime Hackensack firefighters.
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Thomas Freeman — Fire Dept. (1983–2023), Fire Chief (2009–2023)
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Ronald Freeman Sr. — Fire Chief (1956–1994)
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Jack Freeman — Fire Captain (1936–1964)
“Cumulatively, three generations of Freemans have served Hackensack for a total of 106 years,” Freeman noted. “Starting tonight, we’re going to keep adding to that number.”
Freeman briefly served as interim city manager in 2021, following the unexpected passing of former manager Ted Ehrenberg.
🔄 Transition in City Hall
Outgoing city manager Vincent Caruso, who previously served as Lodi police chief and municipal manager, was first appointed to Hackensack’s top administrative post in September 2021.
According to the official resolution, Caruso submitted his resignation to newly elected Mayor Caseen Gaines, saying it was an appropriate time “to explore new professional opportunities and challenges.”
Caruso will stay on through September 5 to assist with the leadership transition.
“I’ll always look back fondly on my time here in Hackensack,” Caruso said, thanking city employees for their dedication.
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