§ 2. Purpose. One of the finest traditions of American community life
is the service which people render to others without remuneration.
Volunteer firefighters have long been in the forefront of this group. In
recognition of the unselfish service by these volunteers, government has
undertaken to provide for them and their families some measure of
protection against loss from death or injuries in line of duty. Over the
years there has developed a dual system of benefits when volunteer
firefighters are killed or injured. The dual system has caused
uncertainty and confusion. This law establishes a new single system of
benefits for volunteer firefighters and provides for the administration
of such system by the workers' compensation board and the chairman of
such board.

It is hereby declared that this chapter is intended to effectuate the
objects and purposes of section eighteen of article one of the state
constitution and that the relationship between the political subdivision
liable for benefits under this chapter and a volunteer firefighter
entitled to such benefits is that of employer and employee within the
meaning of such provision of the state constitution.