(a) To obtain recognition from the state fire marshal's office, a municipality, county, or political subdivision wanting to operate a rescue squad, or a nonprofit organization wanting to operate as a rescue squad, shall file an application with the state fire marshal's office, and file a renewal application to continue operating, in accordance with the following:(1) The application must be made on a form prescribed by the state fire marshal and must be accompanied by a processing fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The state fire marshal may require that the form be signed and notarized by the highest-ranking official of the rescue squad;(2) Upon being granted recognized status as a rescue squad, the state fire marshal shall issue a certificate of recognition to the rescue squad. The certificate is valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance; and(3) Approximately six (6) months prior to the expiration of the three-year certificate, the state fire marshal's office shall notify each rescue squad by certified mail of the expiration of the certificate. A rescue squad whose certificate is expiring shall complete a recognition renewal form prescribed by the state fire marshal and submit a renewal fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) at least thirty (30) days prior to expiration of the rescue squad's certification of recognition.
(1) The application must be made on a form prescribed by the state fire marshal and must be accompanied by a processing fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The state fire marshal may require that the form be signed and notarized by the highest-ranking official of the rescue squad;
(2) Upon being granted recognized status as a rescue squad, the state fire marshal shall issue a certificate of recognition to the rescue squad. The certificate is valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance; and
(3) Approximately six (6) months prior to the expiration of the three-year certificate, the state fire marshal's office shall notify each rescue squad by certified mail of the expiration of the certificate. A rescue squad whose certificate is expiring shall complete a recognition renewal form prescribed by the state fire marshal and submit a renewal fee not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) at least thirty (30) days prior to expiration of the rescue squad's certification of recognition.
(b) The form prescribed by the state fire marshal's office must include a process for a rescue squad whose certificate of charter with the secretary of state is active before July 1, 2026, to apply for an exemption, as described in § 68-140-709.