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Hackensack council accepts city manager resignation, appoints longtime fire chief Thomas Freeman
Summary
The City of Hackensack accepted the resignation of City Manager Vincent Caruso and appointed retired Fire Chief Thomas Freeman as the new city manager, with both actions approved unanimously at a special meeting.
The City of Hackensack Mayor and Council on Aug. 4 accepted the resignation of City Manager Vincent Caruso effective Aug. 4, 2025, and unanimously appointed retired Hackensack Fire Chief Thomas Freeman as the city’s next city manager.
The council adopted Resolution No. 359-25 accepting Caruso’s resignation and Resolution No. 360-25 appointing Freeman. Both measures passed on roll call votes with Deputy Mayor Toomey, Councilwoman Clark Collins, Councilman Carroll, Councilman Diaz and Mayor Gaines voting aye.
Caruso spoke briefly after the council read the resignation resolution, thanking the mayor, council and city staff for his four years in the role and saying he will assist with the transition through Sept. 5, 2025. “It’s been a true honor to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of individuals,” Caruso said.
The appointment resolution notes Freeman’s 40-year career with the Hackensack Fire Department, his promotion to chief in March 2009 and his prior service as interim city manager in 2021. The resolution states Freeman’s employment will be governed by the city’s current salary ordinance, employee policies and applicable statutes and regulations.
Freeman addressed the council and public after the vote, thanking family members, colleagues and residents and saying he looks forward to “continuing serving this great city in a new way.” The council’s public remarks welcomed Freeman and thanked Caruso for his service.
The council did not discuss specific contract terms or an employment start date beyond the effective dates in the appointment resolution. Council members said they expect Freeman to begin carrying out city manager duties immediately following the appointment and to work with staff on transition tasks already referenced in the resignation resolution.
No formal follow-up actions or additional votes on Freeman’s employment terms were recorded at the meeting.
Ending: The council’s actions complete a planned leadership transition: Caruso will remain to assist with handover through early September, and Freeman begins his tenure after a four-decade career with the city’s fire department.
