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.
New York Legal Code