(a) Any town, city or borough subject to the approval of its legislative body, shall indemnify any paid or volunteer member of its fire department who, after October 1, 1969, has commenced and has successfully completed a course or courses in fire technology and administration offered by the state regional community-technical colleges. Such indemnification shall be limited to expenses incurred by such member for tuition and textbook charges.
(b) This section shall not apply to any member of a fire department of a town, city or borough receiving educational benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any Connecticut fire department association.