Subject to the limitations set forth in the subsequent sections
of this chapter, whenever any civil action has been or shall be brought
against any person (hereinafter referred to as "employee") holding
or formerly holding any office, position or employment with the Township
of Mount Olive for any action or omission arising out of or in the
course of the performance of the duties of such office, position or
employment, the Township shall defray all costs of defending such
action, including reasonable counsel fees and expenses, together with
costs of appeal, if any, and shall save harmless and protect such
persons from any financial loss resulting from the litigation. The
Township Attorney or other attorney selected by the Mayor with the
advice and consent of the Township Council shall represent the Township
official or employee.
The Township shall not defray the costs of defending any criminal
action against any municipal employee except as may be authorized
by state statute or other municipal ordinance or resolution of the
Township of Mount Olive, and, in those circumstances, the responsibility
for defraying the costs of defending such employee shall be applicable
only when such criminal proceedings shall have been dismissed or result
in a final disposition in favor of the employee. However, should the
Township determine that there is good cause to dismiss the employee,
arising out of the incident or related incidents of the criminal prosecution,
the Township will not reimburse the employee or official for legal
defense and costs of defending the suit, even though criminal proceedings
against the employee may be dismissed or the employee found not guilty.