N.Y. VOL Law § 2

§ 2. Purpose. One of the finest traditions of American community life\nis the service which people render to others without remuneration.\nVolunteer firefighters have long been in the forefront of this group. In\nrecognition of the unselfish service by these volunteers, government has\nundertaken to provide for them and their families some measure of\nprotection against loss from death or injuries in line of duty. Over the\nyears there has developed a dual system of benefits when volunteer\nfirefighters are killed or injured. The dual system has caused\nuncertainty and confusion. This law establishes a new single system of\nbenefits for volunteer firefighters and provides for the administration\nof such system by the workers' compensation board and the chairman of\nsuch board.\n It is hereby declared that this chapter is intended to effectuate the\nobjects and purposes of section eighteen of article one of the state\nconstitution and that the relationship between the political subdivision\nliable for benefits under this chapter and a volunteer firefighter\nentitled to such benefits is that of employer and employee within the\nmeaning of such provision of the state constitution.\n