§ 13-3. Assumption of powers and duties of officer by emergency interim successor.

If, in the event of an attack or a public disaster, an officer described in § 13-2A or § 13-2B of this chapter or his duly authorized deputy, if any, is unable, due to death, absence from the town or other physical, mental or legal reasons, to perform the powers and duties of the office, the emergency interim successor of such officer highest in rank in order of succession who is able to perform the powers and duties of the office shall, except for the power and duty to discharge or replace duly authorized deputies and emergency interim successors of such officer, perform the powers and duties of such officer. An emergency interim successor shall perform such powers and duties only until such time as the lawful incumbent officer or his duly authorized deputy, if any, or an emergency interim successor higher in rank in order of succession, resumes the office or undertakes the performance of the powers and duties of the office, as the case may be, or until, where an actual vacancy exists, a successor is duly elected or appointed to fill such vacancy and qualifies as provided by law.