S.C. Code Ann. § 25-23-40: Exemptions; essential employees.

(A) No employer is required to grant Civil Air Patrol leave to an employee who is required to respond to either the same or other simultaneous emergency service operation as a first responder, emergency manager, or other emergency services personnel for a local, state, or federal agency.

(B) An employer may deny a request for Civil Air Patrol leave for an employee who has been designated as an essential employee. Employers should work with employees to provide access to Civil Air Patrol leave whenever the employee's absence will not result in demonstrable harm or disruption to daily operations. An employee shall notify his Civil Air Patrol chain of command of his designation as an essential employee as soon as possible.