Beginning in 1962, he was appointed Newark Fire Director. During the 1967 riots, he was at the scene of Engine Company #11 Captain Michael Moran's death when he was shot by a sniper's bullet. In 1970, he was fired by Mayor Hugh Addonizio because of Caufield preparing to run for mayor himself. In the May 1970 mayoral primary, Caufield placed fourth behind Kenneth A. Gibson, Addonizio, and activist Anthony Imperiale. As Gibson received less than 50% of the vote, he was forced into a runoff election with Addonizio to be held in June. Caufield endorsed Gibson in the runoff. After Gibson won the runoff and was inaugurated, Caufield was reinstated as Fire Director.