A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO HONOR RETIRING OR DECEASED FIREFIGHTERS BY AWARDING THEIR FIRE HELMETS TO THEM OR TO A SURVIVING RELATIVE.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 153A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 153A-236. Honoring deceased or retiring firefighters.
A fire department established by a county pursuant to this Article may, in the discretion of the board of commissioners, award to a retiring firefighter or a surviving relative of a deceased firefighter, upon request, the fire helmet of the deceased or retiring firefighter, at a price determined in a manner authorized by the board.  The price may be less than the fair market value of the helmet."
SECTION 2.  Chapter 160A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 160A-294.1. Honoring deceased or retiring firefighters.
A fire department established by a municipality pursuant to this Article may, in the discretion of the governing body of the municipality, award to a retiring firefighter or a surviving relative of a deceased firefighter, upon request, the fire helmet of the deceased or retiring firefighter at a price determined in a manner authorized by the governing body. The price may be less than the fair market value of the helmet."
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.