Volunteer firefighters belonging to a regular organized and recognized fire department, while engaged in their duties in any voluntary community service which they may undertake, and while acting under the direction of the fire chief or any of the assistants of the fire chief in the protection of life or property, during fire, flood, earthquake, windstorm, ambulance service or other rescue work, shall be deemed, for the purpose of chapters 616A to 616D, inclusive, of NRS, employees of the city, town, county or district so recognizing them, at the wage of $2,000 per month, and are entitled to the benefits of those chapters upon such city, town, county or district’s complying therewith.