Somerset County commissioners on July 22 publicly recognized county emergency responders and described how agencies coordinated after floods that struck parts of the county on July 3 and mid-July.

The recognition came during the county's July 22 work session, when county Director Robinson told commissioners and assembled staff that the storms "came fast and furious" and praised emergency personnel for their "professionalism, their training and, ultimately, their ability to work together as a well oiled machine." The county said a state of emergency was declared and that hundreds of vehicles were damaged during the storm period; county officials noted that two women were killed in Plainfield when their vehicles were swept away by floodwaters.

County officials said the communications center and the county's Office of Emergency Management were central to the response. A representative for the communications center told commissioners, "we took a total of 2,000 calls that came into the center, altogether. That's including the 700 plus 9-1-1 calls," describing a multi-hour surge of contacts that required staffing adjustments during shift changes. An Office of Emergency Management coordinator said the county's forward-warning systems and mutual-aid agreements allowed swift-water teams and outside partner agencies to be mobilized quickly: "we knew we needed to act and we did."

Sheriff's Office speakers and dive-team members described rescue operations, including the use of a high-water rescue vehicle acquired after Hurricane Ida that county leaders said was instrumental in reaching affected areas. County officials credited mutual-aid partners and cited specific rescue and transport efforts; Sergeant Coasey of the sheriff's office said county law enforcement provided mutual aid to North Plainfield, Watchung and Warren during the July 3 incident.

Commissioners and staff also raised recovery needs beyond immediate rescue operations. Director Robinson and other speakers emphasized the mental-health impacts of disasters and provided a contact for residents seeking help: Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center, (908) 253-3165, with a note that callers who identify flood impacts will receive priority discussion. Commissioners thanked public works crews for clearing debris and reopening roads and said the county would continue coordinating with municipalities, state offices and federal partners to secure resources for recovery.

No formal action was taken at the July 22 work session on storm-related ordinances or emergency declarations; commissioners framed the remarks as recognition and as a briefing on response and recovery efforts. County staff said follow-up work will include damage assessment, permitting and coordination with outside agencies for infrastructure repairs and park restoration.

The public can contact county officials through the county website and the county's public email for meetings at countyboardmeeting@co.Somerset.NJ.US. The county continues to post updates and livestream meeting recordings on its website.