Temporary absence or disability of Chief of Police. During
the temporary absence or disability of the Chief of Police, when no special
designation is made by the competent authority, the command automatically
devolves upon the senior ranking member of command. He shall have and possess
all the powers and perform all the duties of the Chief of Police, except the
power of making any changes in the rules and regulations, appointments, promotions,
changes of assignment or detail, and he shall carry out the orders previously
given, and such orders shall not, except in cases of extreme emergency, be
countermanded nor set aside; however, when such action is taken, a report
shall be made to the Chief of Police in writing stating the reason therefor
in such instances.