Section 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.