DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Extension of Line of Duty Leave
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance would extend the line-of-duty (LOD) leave for Fire Captain Georgia Rakowitz. She was charged accrued leave from January 19, 2015 to May 25, 2015 for an on the job injury which occurred while on duty April 2, 2005. This ordinance will restore seven hundred fifty-two (752) hours, or ninety-four (94) eight hour 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 INFORMATION:
Fire Captain Rakowitz injured her mid to lower back when she jumped over a charged line off the steps of the apparatus and landed on the pavement with her legs straight. She was diagnosed with failed back syndrome and underwent a four level lumbar spine surgery on July 31, 2014. Captain Rakowitz developed post-operative complications with significant wound drainage resulting in an operative incision and drainage performed on August 6, 2014. Fire Captain Rakowitz underwent extensive post-operative physical therapy and pain management care. On Line of Duty leave from April 2, 2005 to August 29, 2005, November 24, 2010 to December 21, 2010 and July 16, 204 to January 18, 2015. She began using her own leave on January 19, 2015 to May 25, 2015. Fire Captain Georgia Rakowitz returned to duty on May 26, 2015.
ISSUE:
Fire Captain Georgia Rakowitz, seeks an extension of Line of Duty leave from January 19, 2015 to May 25, 2015 for injuries suffered on April 2, 2005. This extension will restore 752 hours, or 94 eight hour shifts, of her accrued leave. Chapter 143 give...
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