(a) Employees shall abide by all laws and regulations which govern the performance of their duties, and shall perform their duties as reasonable, prudent persons. Defense of legal claims against an employee relating to an official status with the City, shall be the responsibility of the City.

(b) If an employee is grossly negligent in the performance of duties and responsibilities and if an accident results from such negligent performance of duties and responsibilities or if a court of law finds that the employee willfully exceeded his or her scope of duty and responsibility, the employee may be held personally and legally liable.