DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCI L DISTRICT(S) IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: Extension of Line of Duty Leave
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance would extend the line-of-duty (LOD) leave for Fire Engineer Eddie Douglas III. He was charged accrued leave from May 31, 2013 to November 13, 2013 for an on the job injury which occurred while on duty May 30, 2012. This ordinance will restore one thousand, three hundred and forty-four (1,344) hours, or fifty-six (56) shifts of accrued leave. Approval of this ordinance is only within the authority of City Council. The Local Government Code, Chapter 143.073, states that after the one-year initial period of leave, the municipality's governing body may extend the line of duty illness or injury leave at full or reduced pay. This will allow the Department to consider this period line of duty leave.
BACKGROUND:
Fire Engineer Douglas injured hi s right shoulder, neck and lower back while participating in physical training. He was diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder with impingement, as well as, thoracic and lumbar sprain/strain. Fire Engineer Douglas initially underwent extensive physical therapy and trigger point injections to his right shoulder. He ultimately had surgical repair of the right rotator cuff on September 9, 2013. Fire Engineer Douglas then participated in 12 sessions of post-surgical rehab and physical therapy before returning to full duty. He was on Line of Duty leave from May 31, 2012 until May 30, 2013 and began using his own leave on May 31, 2013 to November 13, 2013. Fire Engineer Eddie Douglas III returned to full duty on November 14, 2013.
ISSUE:
Fire Engineer Eddie Douglas III, seeks an extension of Line of Duty leave from May 31, 2013 to November 13, 2013 for injuries suffered on May 30, 2012. This extension will restore 1344 hours, or 56 shifts, of his accrued leave. Chapter 143 gives the City Council the authority to grant the extension of line-of-duty leave.
ALTERNATIVES:
Without approval by the City Council to grant the extension of line-of duty leave, Fire Engineer Douglas would be required to utilize accrued sick leave for an injury which occurred during the performance of his official duties with the City of San Antonio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This extension would have no immediate fiscal impact; however, the value of the one thousand , three hundred and forty-four hours (1,344), based on current Collective Bargaining Agreement rates, would be $42,887.04.
RECOMMEN DATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance to extend the Line of Duty (LOD) for Fire Engineer Eddie Douglas III.