September 13, 2001, Mineola, NY - Presiding Officer Lisanne Altmann (D-Woodbury) joined members of the Nassau County Legislature in unanimously adopting a proposal that grants up to ten (10) days leave to county employees who are volunteer firefighters or work in other volunteer emergency service organizations assisting in the World Trade Center rescue and recovery mission.

The measure, which was approved in a bipartisan show of support during a reconvened meeting on September 13, directs all Nassau County Department and Agency heads "to refrain from charging County Employees with any accumulated leave entitlements where such County Employees serve as volunteer firefighters or as volunteers in other duly constituted emergency service organizations" and are assisting in the WTC effort.

Legislator Jacobs, on behalf of the Democratic majority said, "When you have a national tragedy such as this, it is imperative that all individuals who volunteer in any emergency capacity assist in the effort. We depend on our volunteers to come to the aid of others. With that in mind, it would be unfair to penalize them monetarily for their participation in the relief effort. We should do everything necessary to encourage their sense of volunteerism."

The resolution, which was signed by County Executive Thomas Gulotta following the meeting, would not detract from any rights afforded employees in any collective bargaining agreement between a bargaining unit of which they are a member and the County of Nassau. It shall be subject to each Department or Agencies minimum staffing requirements and not exceed ten (10) working days.