documents and take any actions necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution.

Be It Further Resolved that a certified copy of this Resolution shall be provided to PSE&G, the Borough Engineer, the Chief Financial Officer, and all other appropriate Borough officials.

Resolution 26-0706-209

Adopting the Standard Operating Guidelines
of the Somerville Fire Department

Whereas, the Borough of Somerville (the "Borough") maintains the Somerville Fire Department (the "Fire Department") as an essential public safety agency responsible for fire suppression, emergency fire response, hazardous materials response, and related life safety services within the Borough; and

Whereas, Standard Operating Guidelines ("SOGs") are a foundational component of professional fire service operations, providing written directives that establish uniform procedures, define roles and responsibilities, and guide personnel in the safe and effective performance of their duties under emergency and non-emergency conditions; and

Whereas, SOGs are essential to ensuring the safety of Fire Department personnel by establishing consistent, evidence-based protocols for high-risk operations, including but not limited to interior, self-contained breathing apparatus use, rapid intervention, hazardous materials response, and incident command; and

Whereas, the adoption of SOGs consistent with applicable federal and State regulatory standards and nationally recognized best practices is critical to the Borough's compliance obligations, the reduction of liability exposure, and the maintenance of eligibility for insurance coverage provided through the Statewide Joint Insurance Fund; and

Whereas, comprehensive SOGs also serve to protect the Borough and its officers by demonstrating that Fire Department operations are conducted in accordance with established professional standards, thereby supporting the defense of claims and litigation arising from Fire Department activities; and

Whereas, the Somerville Fire Department, with the assistance of RCD Group, developed updated Standard Operating Guidelines governing the operations, procedures, and conduct of the Fire Department; and

Whereas, the updated SOGs were provided by the Somerville Fire Department on December 24, 2025 and provided to the Borough’s Business Administrator by former Chief of the Department Joseph Stitley; and

Whereas, a representative of the Statewide Joint Insurance Fund conducted a courtesy review of the SOGs and found them to be extremely well drafted; and