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A.  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a fire protection district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department may expend public funds in connection with the following activities:

(1)  The purchase of a plaque, trophy, certificate, medal, or similar memento to acknowledge outstanding achievement or valiant act of personnel not to exceed one hundred dollars.

(2)  Meals, snacks, or refreshments for firefighters involved in fire department related meetings, workshops, training programs, or performing of emergency services not to exceed twenty-five dollars per person.

(3)  The implementation and execution of a length of service awards program.  For the purposes of this Paragraph, a length of service awards program shall mean a program established by the fire protection district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department that provides a monetary benefit, based upon service, to eligible volunteer firefighters as determined by the fire protection district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department.  The length of service awards program shall not be considered a vested right nor entitle the recipient to any other benefit not directly related to the program’s monetary benefit.  The length of service award shall not be considered permanent and may be discontinued at any time.

B.  The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to prohibit or restrict the use of public funds to pay or defray the reasonable expenses of travel and lodging required for attendance at any conference or convention for the purpose of educating or training fire department personnel with regard to their public duties and responsibilities.

Acts 2012, No. 349, §1; Acts 2013, No. 262, §1.