a. Volunteer emergency service organizations, such as fire companies, ambulance services and rescue squads, protect the lives and property of the citizens of New Jersey.

b. Funds are necessary for the purpose of establishing or modernizing facilities and for purchasing ambulances and rescue vehicles, protective and communications equipment, and other accessory equipment and apparatus necessary for the proper performance of the organizations’ duties.

c. A fund should be established to provide low-interest loans to volunteer emergency service organizations for the purpose of modernizing or replacing outmoded or unsafe emergency vehicles, apparatus, equipment or facilities, or to establish facilities to meet an increasing demand for a higher level of service in the communities in which they serve.

L. 1987, c. 8, s. 1.