§ 219-b. Purpose. 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 ambulance worker 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 thereof
within the purview of section seven of article five of the constitution.