Jackson Township officials officially announced Wednesday that a settlement has been reached resolving litigation involving Police Chief Matthew Kunz, who will retire effective February 1, 2026, concluding many years of service to the township.
Lakewood Alerts previously reported that Kunz would be retiring, but an official date had not yet been determined.
According to a statement released by Jackson Township, the settlement addresses compensation issues stemming from Chief Kunz’s tenure under a prior administration.
Township officials said Kunz served for years without an employment contract and did not receive salary increases after 2017, despite continuing to lead the police department. The agreement includes back pay and other compensation tied to that period.
Township leaders said the litigation arose from actions and decisions made before the current administration took office. Neither Jennifer Kuhn nor any current member of the Township Council was named in the lawsuit.
Mayor Kuhn said the settlement reflects an effort by the current administration to resolve longstanding issues.
“The current administration inherited this situation,” she said. “It became our responsibility to resolve it fairly and decisively. This settlement corrects prior errors, compensates a long-serving public safety professional, and allows the Township to move forward.”
Council President Mordechai Burnstein echoed that message, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and proper treatment of municipal employees.
“This governing body will not ignore unresolved problems from the past,” Burnstein said. “We are committed to transparency, fairness, and ensuring that Township employees are treated professionally and in accordance with the law.”
Burnstein also offered personal remarks, noting that Chief Kunz was among the first officials he met after moving to Jackson nearly 12 years ago and describing a longstanding friendship. He said he hopes to continue hearing Kunz’s perspective to help the department and township in the future.
Township officials credited Chief Kunz with years of service during which Jackson Township maintained a reputation as a safe community. The Mayor and Council thanked him for his dedication and extended best wishes for his retirement.
The township said it remains focused on strengthening the police department and supporting its employees.
Details regarding interim leadership and the process for appointing a new police chief are expected to be released separately in the coming weeks.