N.Y. Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law § 2: Purpose

§ 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.