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Borough of Somerville, NJ
Somerset County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (3) Index
This order establishes awards, citations and commendations and outlines procedures for granting them to employees of the Somerville Police Department and also to members of the general public.
A. 
Initiative for recommending an award shall be made, in writing, to the office of the Chief of Police by the commanding officer of the intended recipient or by the commanding officer having control over the incident.
B. 
The recommending officer shall specify the class of award and detail the act(s) of the individual to be cited.
C. 
Qualifications.
(1) 
Only such individuals who display zeal, energy, initiative, courage, alertness, cooperation and attention beyond normal and usual expectations should be recommended for awards of any type.
(2) 
Upon receipt of a written recommendation, the Chief of Police will confer with the commanding officers of the Department and, upon mutual agreement of those present, will approve the appropriate award.
A. 
Effective date. These awards may be conferred upon any employee of the Department who distinguishes himself in any of the requisite acts herein described.
B. 
Time limitation. Recommendations for award service must be made within one hundred eighty (180) days of the incident upon which it depends.
C. 
Posthumous awards. Next of kin shall be entitled to receive the award earned by a deceased employee.
A. 
Medal of honor, awarded for conspicuous acts of gallantry:
(1) 
Clearly delineating gallantry and intrepidity from lesser forms of courage.
(2) 
Involving risk of life and knowledge of that risk.
(3) 
Being of such a nature that its omission would not be subject to any justifiable criticism.
B. 
Medal of valor, awarded for distinguished meritorious service.
(1) 
For acts calling for a degree of merit which, though not unique, must be distinctive or in combat with an armed adversary.
(2) 
With:
(a) 
Some degree of hazard of life or limb; or
(b) 
Where serious injury or death of another is prevented through the efforts of the nominee.
C. 
Life-saving, awarded for the preservation of a human life:
(1) 
When a life is preserved by the direct efforts of the nominee through use of first-aid or other life-saving techniques.
D. 
Medal of Merit, awarded for acts of valuable police service and/or accomplishment:
(1) 
Highly creditable accomplishment.
(2) 
Bringing favorable public acclaim to the nominee, the Department and the police profession.
(3) 
As a result of devotion to duty, special initiative or service to the public.
E. 
Civilian Service Award, awarded for highly creditable accomplishment by members of the public:
(1) 
By bringing public acclaims to himself through assistance and cooperation with the Police Department in an effort to accomplish its mission.
(2) 
As a result of exceptional service to the police and the public in a way related to law enforcement.
A. 
Breast bar. Employees who have received Department awards in the form of medals shall wear the corresponding breast bar at all times while in Class A uniform; when events call for formal medals to be displayed on the uniform, the breast bar will not be worn.
(1) 
Shall be worn vertically above the shield.
B. 
Order of wearing.
(1) 
Medal of Honor.
(2) 
Medal of Valor.
(3) 
Life-Saving.
(4) 
Medal of Merit.
(5) 
Other authorized state and local police-related awards.
A. 
Honor roll plaque. An honor roll plaque shall be displayed in police headquarters for public recognition of the recipients of the following awards:
(1) 
Medal of Honor.
(2) 
Medal of Valor.
(3) 
Medal of Merit.
B. 
Metal plates. A raised metal plate shall be affixed to the honor roll plaque to recognize each recipient, displaying:
(1) 
Name and rank.
(2) 
Year award given.
(3) 
Type of award.
A star will be superimposed on the corresponding breast bar when an award is made which is similar to one previously made.
All awards will be accompanied by a formal document approved and signed by the Chief of Police and other designated officials bearing the name of the employee and a description of the service rendered.