The purpose of this chapter is to adopt and accept the applicability
of § 18 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York
to provide for the defense and indemnification of officers and employees
of the Village of Chatham with respect to any civil action or proceeding,
whether commenced in state or federal court, arising out of any alleged
act or omission occurring or allegedly occurring while such officer
and/or employee was acting within the scope of his or her public employment
or duties.
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Chatham, New York, does
hereby accept and adopt the applicability of the provisions of § 18
of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York to confer the
benefits provided for thereunder upon its officers and employees (as
defined in said law) and to be liable for the cost incurred thereunder.
The benefits provided for under this chapter shall be secondary
to any applicable insurance coverage available to the officer or employee
whether under a policy of insurance procured by the Village of Chatham
or a policy of insurance procured by the individual officer or employee.