The City of Hackensack is proud to announce the appointment of Thomas Freeman as its new City Manager, following a unanimous vote by the City Council at a Special Council Meeting held on August 4.
The decision was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from a packed Council Chambers. This outpouring of support from the City’s residents, staff, and community leaders reflects the high regard held for Freeman’s decades of service, and a shared sense of optimism and unity for Hackensack’s future.
As a third-generation Hackensack firefighter, who was also born and raised in the City, Freeman brings over 40 years of public service experience to this role. His distinguished career with the Hackensack Fire Department began in 1983, where he rose through the ranks to serve as Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and ultimately Chief of the Department from 2009 until his retirement in 2023.
“We look forward to working together to continue making our City stronger, more vibrant, and an even better place to live,” Deputy Mayor Agatha Toomey remarked. “Mr. Freeman comes with a lot of experience. He will continue to be a great asset to the City as he was in his prior life here.”
Freeman is well-acquainted with the responsibilities of City Manager, having assumed the role on an interim basis following the sudden passing of then City Manager Ted Ehrenburg in March 2021. After guiding the City through that transition, Freeman returned to lead the Fire Department when Vincent Caruso was appointed City Manager that September.
Caruso tended his letter of resignation to Mayor Caseen Gaines last week, citing a desire to explore new professional opportunities and challenges. The Mayor and City Council thanked him for his four years of service to Hackensack and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
During the Special Council Meeting, Caruso acknowledged the municipal workforce directly: “It has been a true honor to work alongside such a dedicated and talented group of individuals.”
“Over the years I have had the privilege of working with City Manager Caruso, and many other outstanding City Managers of Hackensack,” Freeman stated. “Each brought something different to the table, and I can honestly I say I learned valuable lessons from everyone one of them.”
Caruso’s passing of the baton to Freeman comes at an exciting time of transition for the City, and ensures that Hackensack’s progress will continue with experienced leadership at the helm. As City Manager, Freeman will oversee all municipal operations and work closely with the Mayor and Council to deliver on the City’s vision for a Hackensack that is more responsive to the needs of all residents.
Freeman directly addressed the meeting’s attendees, which included City residents and business owners, as well as his family, friends, and former colleagues who witnesses one of their own rise through the ranks to become City Manager.
“Your support has meant everything to me throughout my career,” Freeman said. “You’ve always stood behind me and the Fire Department, and I look forward to continuing that strong partnership in this new role.”
The Mayor and City Council welcomed Freeman warmly, sharing that he will be a true partner in writing the next chapter of Hackensack’s story.
“We are all incredibly impressed by the professional perspectives that Chief Freeman brings to this new phase of service,” Mayor Caseen Gaines said. “He has dedicated himself to this City with distinction for over 40 years, and we know that our workforce and all residents will benefit from his leadership as we move Hackensack forward together.”
