HRAR-6.11 - Search and Rescue Operations and Disaster Relief

Search and Rescue Operations

A City employee shall be allowed to participate in a search or rescue operation at the request of any law enforcement agency, the state Office of Emergency Management or the United States Forest Service without loss of pay for any operation lasting up to five days. At the discretion of the Elected Official in charge, employees may be allowed to participate for additional time periods without loss of pay.

Disaster Relief

An employee who is a credentialed or otherwise qualified emergency worker may be allowed up to 15 workdays in any 12 month period, without loss of compensation, to participate in disaster relief services within the State of Oregon, or in another U.S. state or territory, based on a mutual aid request or other agreement initiated by the originating agency or jurisdiction defining the mission as well as specific qualifications and/or certifications required, working conditions and expected duration of the assignment.

For purposes of this rule, what constitutes a “disaster” is defined by Oregon state law ORS 401.378, or by another U.S. state or territory’s law defining a disaster. For purposes of this rule, Emergency Coordination Center and Bureau Operations Center responders, as well as other City employees with specialized skills or training, may be considered a qualified emergency worker.

Employees who wish to participate in disaster relief services must obtain prior supervisory approval for their absence from work.