(a) (1) A member of a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad is eligible for disability benefits from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association if:
(i) the member’s fire company or rescue squad recommends that the member receive benefits; and
(ii) the member is permanently or temporarily disabled:
1. as a direct result of actively participating in fighting a fire;
2. while going to or from a fire;
3. while performing other duties necessary to the operation or maintenance of the fire company;
4. while actively participating in the emergency medical services unit, or rescue work of a volunteer advanced life support unit or a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company located in the State; or
5. while providing emergency or rescue assistance, whether acting alone or at the direction of or with a fire, ambulance, or rescue company or advanced life support unit.
(2) A benefit under this section shall be paid:
(i) regardless of the district in which the beneficiary was disabled; or
(ii) regardless of whether the beneficiary was disabled in this State, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
(b) The Board shall pay a benefit under this section from the treasury of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in the amount and in the manner that the Board determines until the beneficiary is no longer disabled.
(c) The secretary of the Board shall add the name of each beneficiary under this section to the Disabled Firemen’s and Rescue Squadmen’s List.