The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Department of Public Safety announce the appointment of Kevin Cruz as the permanent, full-time Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator. Cruz, a Hoboken native and former Hoboken Police Officer, has been acting OEM Coordinator since April 2024.
Cruz had a distinguished 27-year career in law enforcement, having joined the Hoboken Police Department in 1988 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant, before retiring in 2015. Cruz joined Hoboken’s OEM in 2021 as deputy coordinator. As head of the division, he oversees emergency response efforts including major storm events, boil water advisories, and power outages. He helps coordinate construction projects, oversees a staff of seven, and works closely with other public safety representatives and City personnel for planned events among other responsibilities.
“Kevin has demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication, and expertise during his time as Acting OEM Coordinator, and I am confident that he will continue to serve the city with that same level of professionalism as he officially takes on the role permanently,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “He has ensured Hoboken is prepared and responsive in times of crisis and his steady, reliable, and even-keeled approach has been invaluable to our emergency response efforts in keeping our community safe. Kevin is an asset to our city and there is no one I would rather work with us we navigate an emergency together.”
“City directors, public safety division heads, and our community partners including utility companies, consistently voice their appreciation for the outstanding contributions Kevin has made over the past year,” said Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante. “Beyond that vote of confidence and his impressive professional resume, I have known Kevin professionally and personally for decades, and trust no one more than him, to take on this role.”
“I am honored to continue serving the city of Hoboken as OEM Coordinator and take great pride in ensuring that our community is well-prepared in times of crisis,” said Cruz. “I look forward to continuing my work with the rest of our public safety team, our community partners, the administration, and residents to keep Hoboken safe and resilient.”
