(A) If it is necessary to reduce the number of members of the Department, the reduction shall be made by granting a temporary leave of absence, without pay or other financial obligation of the city, to the appropriate number of members. The last member appointed shall be put on leave first, with other members also put on leave in reverse hiring order, until the desired level is achieved.
(B) If the Department is increased in number again, the members who have been granted leaves of absence under this section shall be reinstated before an applicant on the eligibility list is appointed to the Department. The reinstatements begin with the last member granted a leave.
(C) A member on leave of absence shall keep the Fire Administration advised of the member’s current address. A member shall be informed of the member’s reinstatement by written notice. Within ten calendar days after a member receives notice of reinstatement, the member must advise the Fire Administration Commission that the member accepts reinstatement and will be able to commence employment on the date specified in the notice. All reinstatement rights granted to a member terminate upon the member’s failure to accept reinstatement within that period.
(D) Nothing herein shall limit the Fire Chief's authority to grant, upon request by a member, temporary leaves of absence for other reasons. Leaves of absence granted for reasons other than as provided in the pension statute will be without pay, any other benefits, pension contributions, or accrual of seniority. A member may be subject to state pension system approval for reinstatement following a leave of absence.
(Ord. G-22-22, passed 12-13-22)