Section 2. Purpose

One of the finest traditions of American community life
  is the service which  people  render  to  others  without  remuneration.
  Volunteer  firemen  have  long  been  in the forefront of this group. In
  recognition of the unselfish service by these volunteers, government has
  undertaken to provide for  them  and  their  families  some  measure  of
  protection against loss from death or injuries in line of duty. Over the
  years  there  has  developed  a  dual  system of benefits when volunteer
  firemen are killed or injured. The dual system  has  caused  uncertainty
  and  confusion. This law establishes a new single system of benefits for
  volunteer firemen and provides for the administration of such system  by
  the workmen's compensation board and the chairman of such board.
    It  is hereby declared that this chapter is intended to effectuate the
  objects and purposes of section eighteen of article  one  of  the  state
  constitution and that the relationship between the political subdivision
  liable  for benefits under this chapter and a volunteer fireman entitled
  to such benefits is that of employer and employee within the meaning  of
  such provision of the state constitution.