Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for the coordination of activities within the Borough of Somerville during potential or actual emergencies and/or disasters. The Emergency Management Coordinator works in collaboration with the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) appointed by the Mayor, which includes representatives from the Police Department, Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Borough Administrator's Office, and Public Works, as well as other community-based stakeholders and subject matter experts.

In the event of a declared state of emergency, the EMC operates the Borough’s Emergency Operations Center, assuring emergency response, community safety, and hazard mitigation.

Pursuant to New Jersey State Law, every municipality must have an Emergency Management Committee appointed each year. This committee is responsible for assuring that a comprehensive plan is in place to respond to, and mitigate, the various types of natural disasters that may occur.

The Somerville OEM will ensure, through coordination and collaboration with county and local stakeholders, that the borough is:

• Properly prepared for all natural and man-made emergencies and disasters that threatens our community

•  Providing education to our residents and businesses on how to properly prepare for emergencies and disasters

• Providing leadership and support to reduce the loss of life and property through an all-hazards emergency management program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

2022 Emergency Management Committee (EMC)

• Jason Kraska, Emergency Management Coordinator
• Dennis Manning, Police Chief, Deputy Coordinator
• Robert Wortman, Fire Chief, Deputy Coordinator
• Michael Lapotasky, EMS/Rescue Chief, Deputy Coordinator
• Dennis Sullivan, Mayor
• Rodney Hadley, Public Works Manager
• Laura Camisa, CERT Coordinator
• Pat Mannion, Shelter Coordinator
• Councilman Gran Brady, Liaison

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

OEM Documents

Online Applications

The following forms can be completed, signed and e-mailed directly to the Office of Emergency Management

• Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

• Bleeding Control (B-Con) Basic Course