Section 21-4-104 - Leave of absence for emergency and rescue services(a) An employee of the state, a city of the first class, a city of the second class, an incorporated town, a county, or a school district who is a member of: (1) The United States Civil Air Patrol or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and desires to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in a training program for the United States Civil Air Patrol or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 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 District 15 Captain; or(2) The National Disaster Medical System, a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, or a Disaster Medical Assistance Team, of the United States Office of Emergency Management of the United States Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and desires to take a leave of absence for the purpose of participating in a training program 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 in response to a United States Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Team Alert Order.(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, county, or school district 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.Amended by Act 2023, No. 20,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.Amended by Act 2023, No. 20,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.Amended by Act 2015, No. 1041,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.