In consideration of public service, any volunteer nonprofit fire department, lifesaving and rescue squad in this State may purchase gas, oil, and tires for their official vehicles and any other materials and supplies under State contract through the Department of Administration, and may purchase surplus property through the Department of Administration on the same basis applicable to counties and municipalities.
The Department of Administration shall make its services available to these organizations in the purchase of such supplies under the same laws, rules and regulations applicable to nonprofit organizations as provided in G.S. 143-49.