§3151. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
1.
Municipal fire department.
"Municipal fire department" means an organized firefighting unit established under municipal charter, ordinance or bylaw to prevent and extinguish fires and, if authorized by charter, ordinance or bylaw, to provide emergency services.
[PL 1999, c. 570, §1 (AMD).]
1-A.
Provide emergency services.
"Provide emergency services" means to respond to and manage other public safety emergencies, including, but not limited to, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents or natural or man-made disasters.
[PL 1999, c. 570, §2 (NEW).]
2.
Municipal firefighter.
"Municipal firefighter" means an active member, whether full-time, part-time or on call, of a municipal fire department, who aids in the extinguishment of fires or an individual who receives compensation from the municipality for aiding in the extinguishment of fires. "Municipal firefighter" includes a volunteer municipal firefighter.
[PL 2023, c. 478, §1 (AMD).]
3.
Volunteer fire association.
"Volunteer fire association" means an organized firefighting unit incorporated under Title 13, chapter 81, or Title 13‑B, and which is officially recognized by the municipality.
A.
Any volunteer fire association incorporated under either Title 13, chapter 81, or Title 13‑B, on or after January 1, 1978, shall be considered incorporated for the purposes of this section.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B.
The appropriation of money by a municipality toward the support of an organized firefighting unit incorporated under Title 13, chapter 81, or Title 13‑B, is prima facie evidence of official recognition.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
4.
Volunteer firefighter.
"Volunteer firefighter" means an active member of a volunteer fire association who receives no compensation from the municipality other than injury and death benefits.
[PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
5.
Volunteer municipal firefighter.
"Volunteer municipal firefighter" means a part‑time or on-call municipal firefighter who receives up to 20% of the compensation of a full‑time municipal firefighter and who may receive injury and death benefits.
[PL 2023, c. 478, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1987, c. 737, §§A2,C106 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD). PL 1989, c. 104, §§C8,10 (AMD). PL 1999, c. 570, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 478, §§1, 2 (AMD).