N.Y. Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law § 2

§ 2. Purpose. One of the finest traditions of American community life\nis the service which people render to others without remuneration.\nVolunteer firemen have long been in the forefront of this group. In\nrecognition of the unselfish service by these volunteers, government has\nundertaken to provide for them and their families some measure of\nprotection against loss from death or injuries in line of duty. Over the\nyears there has developed a dual system of benefits when volunteer\nfiremen are killed or injured. The dual system has caused uncertainty\nand confusion. This law establishes a new single system of benefits for\nvolunteer firemen and provides for the administration of such system by\nthe workmen's compensation board and the chairman of such board.\n It is hereby declared that this chapter is intended to effectuate the\nobjects and purposes of section eighteen of article one of the state\nconstitution and that the relationship between the political subdivision\nliable for benefits under this chapter and a volunteer fireman entitled\nto such benefits is that of employer and employee within the meaning of\nsuch provision of the state constitution.\n