§ 214. Purpose. 1. It is hereby declared that this article is intended
to effectuate the objects and purposes of section eighteen of article
one of the constitution and that the relationship between the political
subdivision liable for payments of service awards under this article and
a volunteer firefighter entitled to such payments is that of employer
and employee within the meaning of such provision of the constitution.
In no event shall the receipt of a service award under the provisions of
this article be deemed to constitute membership in any pension or
retirement system of the state or of a civil division thereon within the
purview of section seven of article five of the constitution.

2. It is hereby further declared that this article is also intended to
provide service awards for volunteer firefighters of incorporated fire
companies or departments which are not otherwise part of a political
subdivision of this state and who do not fall within the purview of
subdivision one of this section.