§ 21-4-104 - Leave of absence for emergency and rescue services.
21-4-104. Leave of absence for emergency and rescue services.
(a) All employees of the state, any city of the first class, city of the second class, incorporated town, or any county who are members of the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and desire to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in training programs for the Civil Air Patrol or in emergency and rescue services shall be entitled to a leave of absence with pay for a period of fifteen (15) days for that purpose during any one (1) calendar year, if the leave of absence is at the request of the employee's wing commander, the wing commander's designated representative, or Division 15 Captain.
(b) (1) If an employee is granted a leave of absence under this section, the employee shall be entitled to his or her regular salary during the time the employee is away from his or her duties during the leave of absence.
(2) The leave of absence shall be in addition to the regular vacation time allowed to the employee.
(c) During a leave of absence, the employee shall be entitled to preserve:
(1) All seniority rights, efficiency or performance ratings, promotional status, retirement privileges, and life and disability insurance benefits; and
(2) Any other rights, privileges, and benefits to which he or she has become entitled.
(d) For purposes of computations to determine whether the person may be entitled to retirement benefits, the period of the leave of absence shall be deemed continuous service.
(e) The state, city, or county shall continue to contribute its portion of any life or disability insurance premiums during the leave of absence on behalf of the employee, if requested, so that continuous coverage may be maintained.