Prosecutor Takes Over South Bound Brook Police Due To 'Personnel Issues'

SOUTH BOUND BROOK, NJ — The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office is taking over the South Bound Brook Police Department due to an "ongoing personnel issue", said Borough Administrator Christina Fischer.

The South Bound Brook Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday night where they passed a resolution, effective March 30, announcing the temporary appointment of Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor as the Officer-in-Charge of the South Bound Brook Police Department.

"Because of the nature of the meeting. Because it is done on such short notice the law requires we also make an announcement on the nature of the urgency and why it was so important that it had to be done on such short notice. And this is involving a personnel matter and this is the sort of thing that developed very quickly and it's the sort of thing that requires a decision from the council, in less time than is usually provided at a regular meeting schedule," said Jeremy Solomon who works with Borough Attorney Bob Smith at the March 29 emergency meeting.

Following an executive session, all of the council, except for Councilwoman Katie Kelly who recused herself, voted in favor of the resolution to appoint an officer in charge of the police department.

The council said the change would take effect as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Under the direction of Fodor, "the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office will assign senior staff personnel to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the South Bound Brook Police Department which will include its systems and processes, in order to assist the Borough and to aid in the efficient functioning of the Police Department," according to Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Thomas Chirichella.

"We have no further comment other than what was just released," said SCPO Deputy Chief Frank Roman.

When a resident from New Brunswick questioned the status of chief Frederick Fittin or the council's action, Solomon said "I am not trying to be cagey. It's just an ongoing personnel matter and an awful lot of details I am not allowed by law to share."

The council previously held another emergency meeting on March 14 where Officer Paul Romano was fired. His termination is subject to an appeal.

The police department was previously being led by Fittin who was sworn in as Chief of the South Bound Brook Police Department on Jan. 11 by the South Bound Brook Mayor and Council.

Fittin had been with the department for 21 years, served as the Union President, Union Delegate, Patrol Sergeant and Administrative Lieutenant, according to the borough.

Fittin was the department's K-9 handler, Drug Recognition Expert, Internal Affairs Commander, had received 2 Valor awards (Life Saving), 20 M.A.D.D. awards and numerous other commendations.

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