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 Engineer Rene Arriola. He was charged accrued leave from August 12, 2014 to April 3, 2015 for an on the job injury which occurred while on duty June 9, 2013. This ordinance will restore one thousand three hundred ninety-two (1,392) hours, or fifty-eight (58) 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 Engineer Arriola injured his lower back while he was removing a very large patient from a vehicle onto a backboard. He was diagnosed with lumbar disc bulges and instability. Fire Engineer Arriola had conservative medical treatment which included physical therapy, diagnostic tests, injections, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nerve blocks, and medications. On Line of Duty leave August 4th and 5th, 2013 and from August 15, 2013 until August 11, 2014. He began using his own leave on August 12, 2014 to April 3, 2015 when a designated doctor opined he could return to work. Fire Engineer Rene Arriola was released to work full duty by his treating doctor on December 4, 2015.
ISSUE:
Fire Engineer Rene Arriola, seeks an extension of Line of Duty leave from August 12, 2014 to April 3, 2015 for an injury suffered on June 9, 2013. This extension will restore 1,392 hours, or 58 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 dut...
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