The University agrees to allow volunteer firemen to leave their scheduled straight time work to respond to fire alarms sounded by their respective fire departments or sheriff departments without suffering any loss in time or pay, subject, of course, to emergency exceptions or cases where undue operational difficulties may result from the employee's absence from work. Such employees will be expected to return to work following the completion of their duties. Volunteer firemen must have their respective fire chief or sheriff department verify their position as volunteer firemen on forms provided by the University prior to leaving work for the aforementioned purpose. Employees should understand that abuse of this policy will lead to disciplinary action.