Except as otherwise provided by law no permanent member or officer of the paid or part-paid fire department or force shall be removed from his office, employment or position for political reasons or for any cause other than incapacity, misconduct, or disobedience of rules and regulations established for the government of the paid or part-paid fire department and force, nor shall such member or officer be suspended, removed, fined or reduced in rank from or in office, employment or position therein except for just cause as hereinabove provided and then only upon a written complaint, setting forth the charge or charges against such member or officer. Said complaint shall be filed in the office of the body, officer or officers having charge of the department or force wherein the complaint is made and a copy thereof shall be served upon the member or officer so charged, with notice of a hearing thereon designating its time and place by the proper authorities, which shall be not less than 10 nor more than 30 days from the date of service of the complaint. A failure to substantially comply with said provisions as to the service of the complaint shall require a dismissal of the complaint.

L.1971, c. 197, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971. Amended by L.1971, c. 443, s. 3, eff. Feb. 15, 1972; L.1981, c. 75, s. 7, eff. March 23, 1981.