Teaneck Police Appoint Young Chief in 'Uplifting' Day

Although he's not even 18, Thomas Caruso Jr. had already excelled to become his father's boss at the Teaneck Police Department.

Caruso, the son of Teaneck Police Officer Thomas Caruso, was sworn in Friday as the town's newest police "chief" as part of a countywide celebration to honor young people battling chronic health conditions.

The young man's tenure as honorary chief began with a swearing in by Police Chief Robert Wilson. Caruso then toured his new department and greeted a crowd of officers before heading to the Bergen County Courthouse in a patrol car to meet fellow honorary chiefs. Scores of area law enforcement officers escorted the young chiefs from around the county to lunch and festivities at the Landmark in East Rutherford.

“It gives the opportunity to come out and be with the police department, experience the police department, see it from the inside,” Wilson said of the event. “It gives us a great uplifting opportunity to have something positive to do with the children.”

Caruso was being treated for osteosarcoma, cancer in his left femur. The young man's story led to an outpouring of support in his hometown of Paramus, leading his mother to publically thank the community last year.

The Chief for the Day program was led by the Bergen County Sheriff's Office with support from local police unions, including Teaneck's Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 215. The Teaneck Police Department's Community Policing Squad helped organize the day, along with others in the department.

Megan Merrigan contributed to this report 

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