The governing bodies of 2 or more adjoining municipalities, by reciprocal ordinances, may provide for the establishment and maintenance of a joint fire department and force, or for their contributions for the maintenance and operation of a volunteer fire company serving such municipalities. The said governing bodies, by mutual agreement, may allocate their respective contributions for such maintenance and operation upon such terms and conditions as shall be deemed necessary.

Nothing herein contained shall affect the employment or continuance in office or tenure or pension rights of any paid fireman in any such municipality.

L.1971, c. 197, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971.