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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] job security

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
  • To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] job security
  • Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 10:57:23 -0600

Becky wrote:
> Are there any federal, or some state, regulations on job security or
> policy when a MSAR or SAR group is called out?

There are some state regulations, so your best bet is to talk to other
SAR (not just MSAR) units in your state. Maybe report back to us what
you find out?

> Does your employer a) have to let you go, b) let you go with pay,
>c) can they fire you, d) do you have to take it as vacation, etc.?

When I was a salaried employee, the procedure was that I needed to
submit a 1-time pre-application to inform my employer that I might
be taking off during work hours to do SAR, and that my boss approved.
Then, when I got called out I had to inform them I would be absent
and afterward I had to report my hours and the state SAR mission
number (in New Mexico SAR is a state government function, by law).
I got paid for those hours, out of a special fund marked Community
Service. I could respond only when my work that day could be put
on hold, so only when I had no visitors or meetings etc scheduled.
I was employed "at will" so could be let go at any time. Had my
boss been unwilling to approve my SAR as community service, I could
not have used vacation: vacation must be pre-approved in advance.

Probably most volunteer SAR responders do not get paid for their time.
Many are retired, or self-employed or small business owners, or home
makers without small children, or people who work long shift schedules
(nurses, physicians, prison guards): long-shift workers often work
weekends and/or nights and consequently can respond on some week days
when other responders are not available.

Hope this helps,

Una Smith
New Mexico




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