To obtain recognition from the department of commerce and insurance, state fire marshal's office, a municipality, county, or political subdivision desiring to operate a fire department, or an organization, agency, or entity desiring to operate as a fire department shall file an application with the department of commerce and insurance, state fire marshal's office, and file a renewal application to continue so operating, in accordance with the following:(1) The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the state fire marshal and shall be accompanied by a processing fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The state fire marshal may require that the form be signed and notarized by the highest ranking official of the fire department;(2) Once recognized, each fire department shall be classified as career, volunteer, or combination as determined by the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS);(3) Upon being granted recognized status as a fire department, the state fire marshal shall issue a certificate of recognition to the fire department; the certificate shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from its date of issuance; and(4) Approximately six (6) months

marshal shall issue a certificate of recognition to the fire department; the certificate shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from its date of issuance; and(4) Approximately six (6) months prior to the expiration of the three-year recognition period, the state fire marshal's office shall notify each fire department by certified mail of the expiration of its certificate of recognition. The fire department whose certificate is expiring shall be required to complete a recognition renewal form prescribed by the state fire marshal and submit a renewal fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). Acts 2003, ch. 312, § 5.