(a) If an active member of the fire force of a city or town or crash rescue crew persons of the state of Rhode Island becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty as a member, or if any member of the fire force of a city or town or crash rescue crew persons of the state of Rhode Island becomes totally and permanently disabled from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duty, there shall be paid, out of the general fund of the state of Rhode Island, the charges for the tuition of totally and permanently disabled fire fighters. The benefits are extended to members who are attending or may attend the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, or any other college or university operated by the state; provided, that the aid granted in this section is available for a period of time that equals the normal time for completing the courses regularly offered by the institution, but in no case more than four (4) years.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the words “members of fire force” mean and include any member of a fire force or crash rescue crew persons of any city or town regularly employed at a fixed salary or wage; this includes auxiliary and volunteer fire fighters and crash rescue crew persons of any city, town or state fire fighting department.