THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 1329

(6) months thereafter; the termination of such emergency
to be determined by resolution of the Commission. No
person holding any such temporary appointment shall be
deemed to be serving a probationary period and shall not
be entitled by the holding of such appointment to be
or become a member of the Classified Service.

(f) Classified Service—Promotion, Transfer, Reinstate-

ment. The Commission shall provide in its rules for keep-

ing a record of efficiency for each employee in those posi-
etions which deems advisable and for making promotions

eon the basis of merit, to be ascertained by competitive
examinations, by conduct and capacity in office, and by

seniorty in service; and shall provide that vacancies shall
be filled by promotions in all cases where, in the judgment

of the Commission, it shall be for the best interests of the

service so to fill such vacancies. in the Police and Fire
Departments, any person making application to take pro-
motional examination for officers up to Chief and Assistant
Chief must have ten years or more service with the depart-

ment and Lieutenants and Captains must have five years

or more service with the department. The Commission
shall also provide rules for transfer and reinstatements.
A MEMBER OF EITHER THE POLICE OR FIRE DE-
PARTMENT WHO HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO A
HIGHER POSITION AND WHO FAILS TO QUALIFY
FOR SUCH POSITION EITHER DURING OR AFTER
A PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS SHALL
BE DEMOTED TO THE POSITION HE HELD NEXT
PREVIOUS TO THE TIME OF HIS PROMOTION.

(g) Classified Service—Discharge, Suspension, Demo-
tion, Re-employment and Part-Time Employees. No per-
son shall be discharged, suspended or demoted in the Classi-

fied Service by the appointing officer for or on account of
his political opinions or affiliations, or for refusing to con-

tribute to any political fund or refusing to render any
political service; but nothing in this sub-title shall forbid
the discharge, suspension or demotion of any such officer
or employees for any cause, other than those hereinbefore
enumberated, which in the opinion of the person authorized
by law to discharge, suspend, or demote such officer or
employee, may interfere with the efficient discharge of the

duties of the position.

(1) Procedure. The Chief of Police, the Chief of the
Fire Department, or other department head, as the case
may be, may peremptorily demote suspend, or discharge

any subordinate under his direction for neglect of duty,

disobedience of orders of misconduct, but shall, within