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 Frederick Johnson. He was charged accrued leave from July 7, 2017 until July 9, 2018 for an on the job injury which occurred while on duty July 5, 2016. This ordinance will restore two thousand and eighty-two (2082) hours, or eighty-six (86.75) 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 Johnson was transferring a patient from a stretcher to hospital bed when he injured his right shoulder and biceps while on duty on July 5, 2016. He was diagnosed with right rotator cuff tear and right biceps instability. Mr. Johnson underwent rotator cuff and biceps tendon repair surgeries. Fire Engineer Johnson attended extensive physical therapy and completed a home exercise strengthening program. On Line of Duty leave from July 7, 2016 until July 6, 2017. He began using additional accrued leave on July 7, 2017 until July 9, 2018. Fire Engineer Johnson returned to duty on July 10, 2018.
ISSUE:
Fire Engineer Frederick Johnson seeks an extension of Line of Duty leave from July 7, 2017 until July 9, 2018 for an on the job injury suffered on July 5, 2016. This extension will restore 2082 hours, or 86.75 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 Johnson would be required to utilize earned sick leave for an injury which occurred during the performance of his official duties with the City of San Antonio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fire Engineer Johnson might use his restored leave in the future, and receive payment for up to two thousand and eighty-two (2082) hours, or eighty-six (86.75) shifts of accrued leave. This ordinance has an estimated potential fiscal impact of $81,010.62 based on current Collective Bargaining Agreement rates.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this Ordinance to extend the Line of Duty (LOD) for Fire Engineer Frederick Johnson.