N.J. Stat. Ann. § 40A:14-61

Whenever in any law any rights, privileges or benefits are granted to exempt firemen holding appointive offices, positions, or employments in either the State, county or municipal government, such law shall be deemed to include all exempt firemen engaged in the public service in any of its branches within the State. No distinction shall be made by reason of the source of the public funds involved or because of a transfer of office, position or employment to a different branch of government within the State.