A person convicted of violating 18 Pa.C.S. § 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses) or any similar offense under Federal or State law shall be prohibited from serving as a firefighter in this Commonwealth and shall be prohibited from being certified as a firefighter under Subchapter F of Chapter 73 (relating to State Fire Commissioner). Proof of nonconviction must consist of either of the following:
(1) An official criminal history record check obtained under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record information) indicating no arson convictions.
(2) A dated and signed statement by the person swearing to the following:
I have never been convicted of an offense that constitutes the crime of "arson and related offenses" under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3301 or any similar offense under any Federal or State law. I hereby certify that the statements contained herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that if I knowingly make any false statement herein, I am subject to penalties prescribed by law, including, but not limited to, a fine of at least $1,000.