5567
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

or her surviving spouse is entitled to benefits equal to
50 percent of the benefits earned by the deceased
volunteer. These benefits shall terminate upon death or
remarriage. A qualified volunteer is defined as one who
has completed 25 years of certified service, OR IS
QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE BENEFITS UNDER THIS ACT.

(5)    [In the event that a qualified volunteer dies,
a burial benefit up to $2,500 shall be payable.] WHEN A
QUALIFIED VOLUNTEER DIES, AFTER JANUARY 1, 1974, A BURIAL
BENEFIT OF $2,500 SHALL BE PAID TO THE SURVIVING SPOUSE,
AND IF THERE IS NO SURVIVING SPOUSE TO THE ESTATE OF THE
DECEDENT. A QUALIFIED VOLUNTEER IS DEFINED AS ONE WHO
HAS COMPLETED 25 YEARS OF SERVICE OR IS QUALIFIED TO
RECEIVE BENEFITS UNDER THIS SECTION.

(6)    In the event that any active volunteer fireman
or squadsman (herein defined as one who has at least two
years of qualifying service in the five preceding years)
attains the age of 70 years and fails to achieve the
required 25 years of service, then the volunteer is
entitled to a monthly benefit of [the number of years of
certified service completed multiplied by $4. These
benefits shall be payable in the normal manner.] .0004 OF
THE STARTING ANNUAL SALARY OF A CAREER FIREFIGHTER
MULTIPLIED BY THE NUMBER OF YEARS OF CERTIFIED SERVICE
COMPLETED. PAYMENTS WILL BEGIN ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE
FIRST MONTH FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY.

[ (7) An annual cost of living review shall be made
by the County Council of Prince George's County to adjust
the benefits provided under Section (b) to reflect the
then current cost of living index. The adjustment shall
increase or decrease the benefits as necessary to
maintain comparable purchasing value of this program.
Revised or reviewed benefits shall commence on July 1, of
the year.]

(c)   Funding.

The Fire [Department] COMMISSION will annually
submit with [its budget] THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
BUDGETS a request for funds to pay ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES AND TO PAY those volunteer members who are
eligible or will become eligible, for the program. The
request shall identify by name each member to receive
payment and specify the number of months for which
payment will be made to that individual during the fiscal
year, if for less than a full year.

(d)   Administration.

The program shall be administered by the Prince
George's County [Fire Chief] DIRECTOR OF FINANCE in