Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz is expected to retire in the near future following the Township Council’s approval of a settlement related to a lawsuit he filed against the township.
The council approved a resolution authorizing the settlement, which stems from a lawsuit brought by Kunz challenging actions taken during the administration of former Mayor Mike Reina. Kunz alleged that the appointment of Police Sgt. Joe Candido as Jackson’s director of public safety undermined his authority as police chief by effectively placing him in a subordinate position to a lower-ranking officer. He further argued the move was retaliation against him by Mayor Reina.
In addition to challenging the appointment, Kunz also alleged in the lawsuit that Reina retaliated against him by withholding contractual salary increases for more than 14 years. According to the complaint, Kunz was owed nearly $300,000 in back pay as a result of the withheld raises.
While the settlement was tentatively agreed to by both parties and formally approved by the council, the specific terms have not been made public.
Sources told Lakewood Alerts that following the implementation of the settlement, Kunz plans to retire after a lengthy career with the Jackson Police Department. An exact timeline for his retirement has not been finalized, and township officials emphasized that no formal date has been announced.
Officials also cautioned against speculation regarding Kunz’s successor, stating that any discussion about a new police chief would be premature. They described Kunz as a dedicated leader who invested significant effort and commitment into guiding the department, and said such conversations would be inappropriate at this stage.
Chief Kunz has served the township for decades and led the department through numerous challenges during his tenure. Township representatives indicated that any future announcements regarding departmental leadership would be made at an appropriate time.
The township has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the settlement beyond the resolution approved by the council.